Cruises.

[weegegirl 2]

Well, I've never been on a cruise. But last night I took first place in a poker tournament and the prize is a fabulous Caribbean cruise for two. I have one year to take it.

So, who's been on a cruise? Tell me about it. Am I going to get sea sick??

[skymama 37]

My kids went on one with their dad. They said it was the worst vacation they've ever had and they'll never go on one again! I think it's because the teen activities are a little lacking on cruises.

I went on one about 20 years ago and had a good time, but I haven't felt compelled to go on another one since then. You do get to eat a lot for free though, I guess that's the best part!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[wmw999 2,446]

I've been on two. One a standard mid-sized cruise with stops in Cozumel and Honduras (got to see some cool Mayan ruins). Good food. It was fine, but I probably wouldn't do that again. I like doing things more.

The other was a Windjammer Barefoot cruise (i.e. sailing ship) during a total solar eclipse, on a ship full of astronomy buffs. They go from little island to little island; sightseeing during the day, and hanging out with a bunch of geeks who are really interested in something and willing to share that interest at night. One of the best vacations I've ever taken in my life.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[weegegirl 2]

That sounds amazing!! I would love to do something like that. I love to sail and see cool things, and add in learning about something cool... sounds like my kind of vacation.

But the cruise I won is more like the first one you mentioned. I can take either 4 day/3 night or 5 day/4 nights to the Bahamas, out of Miami. Still sounds fun since I've never done it and it's free.

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[ACMESkydiver 0]

Joe took me on a cruise to the Bahamas for our 10 yr wedding anniversary, and it was INCREDIBLE!!!!

If you can afford it, I would HIGHLY recommend upgrading your cabin to a balcony suite. I have heard some people say they didn't like their trip because they had a tiny little portal for a window, and it was a tiny lil room and it wasn't the greatest...

We went on Royal Carribean and like I said, my awesome hubby booked a balcony suite. We had a full sliding glass door that opened onto a little balcony with 2 recliners and a side table out there, and we spent MUCH of our time out on that balcony enjoying the deep blue water passing by.

And scuba diving in Nassau was unbelievable!!!
Downside: expect to spend AT LEAST a couple hundred in tips & room service/drinks. (And that was just on a 3-day cruise! )

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[FallingOsh 0]

I've never been on one, but most of my friends have. They swear it's the best vacation since you get to visit several places instead of staying at one resort.

You should probably check out what all is included on the ship. I had a buddy get his alcohol bill at the end of the trip and it was more than the cost of the tickets. Something like $700. If you figure two people for five days at normal bar prices, it probably wouldn't be that hard to run up several hundred dollars on booze. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but be ready for the bill when you get off the boat.

And if you're looking for a second person to fill the spot, feel free to give me a call. Congrats on the winning the tournament.

--------------------------------------------------
Stay positive and love your life.

[simplyputsi 0]

I'd take the longer cruise. I've only been on one but it was awesome, especially since it was free, even the tips. You do drop some cash on the tips though. I also had a balcony room and couldn't imagine a room without one. I think I am spoiled. Where else can you relax, party, gamble all while on route to your next destination. That is what I liked. You woke up to a new place everyday.
I'm jealous now, I want to go on a cruise.

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[Taylor610 0]

But the cruise I won is more like the first one you mentioned. I can take either 4 day/3 night or 5 day/4 nights to the Bahamas, out of Miami. Still sounds fun since I've never done it and it's free.
***

Hey Girl, It's all about what you like, but the wife and I have been on 4. We have only gone on the larger ships, but they are great! The food is super, entertainment 24 hours a day, never a dull moment. Which cruise line is it through? That makes a difference sometimes. As far as the kids side of it, we took all of ours (all 4) last year. The 21 yr old had a blast, the twins who are 16 yr old were kinda board because the teen activities were a little lame and our 10 year old would go again tomorrow and the "Kids camp" was a lot of fun for her age. I think the teenager thing is just a age thing.

The biggest catch is the price includes everything on board except alcohol...you can drink a "boatload" while on board!

[weegegirl 2]

I'm sure my drink bill will be 10 times the value of the free cruise.

I can pick between Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise line. I've heard Royal is much better.

[skyminxx 0]

Hey Weege:

Talk to Anne (froglady) at the dz this weekend. She should be able to give you plenty of pointers on this one (with her travel agent hat on

You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.-Richard Bach

[weegegirl 2]

Will do.

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[FlankSteak 0]

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Well, I've never been on a cruise. But last night I took first place in a poker tournament and the prize is a fabulous Caribbean cruise for two. I have one year to take it.

So, who's been on a cruise? Tell me about it. Am I going to get sea sick??

Need some company? A cruise would be kick-ass.
You'll love it I'm sure. And, I doubt a cruise ship will make you sea sick - they're so massive it should cut through the ocean like butter.

______________________________________________
"...whatever stands against freedom must be set aside, be it ritual or superstition or limitation in any form."

[briguy 0]

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Am I going to get sea sick??

mythbusters did a segment on motion sickness. if you want an organic method that showed some positive results, try ginger. Ginger ale, ginger snaps, maybe even ginger extract pills.

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[weegegirl 2]

Ginger is good for everything! I love that stuff!

I did grow up sailing so I probably wouldn't get sea sick... but anything after a few days could get to you I guess.

[briguy 0]

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but anything after a few days could get to you I guess.

if it is one of the big boats, you should be OK. no one ever puked on the love boat.

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[PLFXpert 0]

I've been on four.

We WERE planning a Mediteranean cruise but have read too many horror stories about cruises lately (Sorry to rain on your parade)

But of the four, I really had a blast. I did not get sea sick, but my stepmom does and wears these wrist bands that poke her vein or something and prevent the sea-sickness. She also took dramamene (sp?) on one and was fine.

Two of my four cruises were Carribean. All I can say is fabulous. Where are your stops? I can tell you about nearly everywhere in the Carribean. If you scuba, DEFINITELY sign up for that. That's where I learned My first logged dives ever were Jamaica, the Caymans and Cozumel. Also, if you need jewelry buy it there! And don't forget EVERYTHING is negotiable.

I need specific questions to be of any more help

But, rest assured, I'm sure you'll have a great time

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[PLFXpert 0]

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The other was a Windjammer Barefoot cruise.....One of the best vacations I've ever taken in my life.

SO TRUE!

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[PLFXpert 0]

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If you can afford it, I would HIGHLY recommend upgrading your cabin to a balcony suite.

DEFINITELY and the shower is *slightly* larger (from what I heard from a friend over ours was big. I thought it was soooooo teeny)

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[weegegirl 2]

Okay, here's what it says...

4 day/ 3 nights: Cruise aboard the lavish Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise line. Your choices include Miami or Port Canaveral departure to fabulous Nassau Bahamas. IF you are departing out of Los Angeles, you will visit beautiful Ensenada, Mexico. All meals and entertainment are included aboard ship.

5 day/4 nights: Cruise aboard the lavish Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise line. Your choices include Miami or Port Canaveral departure to fabulous Key West to Cozumel or Freeport to Nassau Bahamas. IF you are departing out of Los Angeles, you will visit beautiful Ensenada, Mexico. All meals and entertainment are included aboard ship.

[jlmiracle 7]

Been on one - will never ever go again! It sucked ass.

If you are into crowds and being herded around like cattle, you will have a good time. If you have alot of $ to spend on the good stuff you might have a good time.

The pools are about 2 ft deep and its the nastiest salt water in the world.

Food was okay. Entertainment was not entertaining. Many many children running around unsupervised. (and they wonder how people go missing)

The whole cruise was spent with them trying to sell me another cruise or over priced jewelery and art and junk.

That was my experience with Carnival. Oh and we only got to go to 2 of the 3 ports so we got a "credit" of $25.00 for not going to the Grand Cayman Island. Yes just $25, total rip off.

This was my experience, I hope yours is better and is on a better cruise line and CONGRATS on winning the tournament.

J

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[PLFXpert 0]

They sound the same, so go with your gut and ask around. I'd lean toward Royal Carribean myself. I've never heard good things about Carnival. But, to each their own b/c I tell you some people HATE cruises and others love them. I'm indifferent. I think b/c I've been fortunate to go on several, I'm a little over it. Just don't stand too close to the edge

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[PLFXpert 0]

Prime example of different experiences (that sounded awful).

Our pool on the ship I learned to scuba (they had PADI courses offered during the cruise) was HUGE! And 15 feet deep! I remember b/c we had to do pool training during the first day so that we'd be ready for dives by the first stop

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[weegegirl 2]

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Prime example of different experiences (that sounded awful).

Our pool on the ship I learned to scuba (they had PADI courses offered during the cruise) was HUGE! And 15 feet deep! I remember b/c we had to do pool training during the first day so that we'd be ready for dives by the first stop

That sounds really cool! I have always wanted to learn to scuba dive.

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[PLFXpert 0]

Bottom line to remember is this, for the major part, IT'S FREE! So make the most of it (or fun of it, as when I'm in an otherwise unenjoyable situation I find making fun helps)

Have fun!

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[ladyskydiver 0]

I went on Royal Caribbean and loved it!!! Can't wait to get the opportunity to do it again. Not only had ship time to relax or do whatever but, also, exploring time. I never got sea sick but I did notice when I got off the ship at the end of the trip, it felt funny to walk on land.

Enjoy!

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.