Reviews

UNCLE LOU'S CORNER

Uncle Lou's love of cruising began back in 1966 when he took his first cruise on the Oceanic for his honeymoon. After raising his children he returned to his favorite pastime in 1986 and since then has taken 20 cruises. He will be sharing his experiences with us as well as ship reviews.

To Cruise or Not to Cruise . . .

That is the Question!!!!

Many people contemplating taking their first cruise have apprehensions. Will it be too confining? Will I get seasick? Do I have to have dinner with the same people every night and at the same time? Will I get bored? How will I endure being packed into a ship with a couple of thousand people? Etc. etc. etc.

These are valid concerns that can't be resolved until you actually take a cruise for yourself. Every one who takes a cruise forms their own opinions about the experience. However, better than ninety percent of first-time cruisers end up taking another cruise and another cruise and another cruise.

For my wife and I going on a cruise is one of the most wonderful vacation experiences we can have. Over the past 10 years we have taken nearly 20 cruises to various parts of the world - the Caribbean (east, west and southern), Hawaii, Alaska, Scandinavia, The Baltic and Russia. And, we have just finalized plans for our first Mediterranean cruise, which will include Italy, Sicily, Greece, Turkey and Croatia.

Allow me to itemize the things we enjoy most about cruising which, hopefully, will also provide those contemplating their first cruise with some insight into the experience.

1. Everything is taken care of for you. Once you go through the embarkation process, which we have never found to be troublesome, and you step aboard the ship you enter a world where you no longer have to be concerned about anything. Your every need is taken care of and should you require something there is always someone close by to take care of it for you. When the biggest questions you have to answer each day are: "Should we go to the dining room or the buffet for lunch?" Should we sit near the pool or on the Promenade deck?" "Should we go on a shore excursion at the next port or stay on board the ship?" "Should we sit in the orchestra or mezzanine section for the nightly show in the theater?" You get my drift, it is a carefree environment.

2. There is plenty of room aboard ship for everyone. We have never felt crowded; although you may encounter a short wait at the buffet lunch during the peak serving time. If you wish to be with your fellow passengers there are ample locations to do so…the pool is an especially popular area. However, if you wish to be alone there are numerous lounges; comfortable seating areas tucked away in various locations (both indoor and out) throughout the ship; the library or even, if you wish to be completely isolated, your cabin.

3. Getting to meet new people. We like to be seated at a dinner table ranging from 6 to 12 people. We have never been seated at a table where we did not enjoy the company. It is a wonderful experience to meet and get to know people from different parts of the world and enjoy varied conversation each evening. We have learned a lot from our tablemates and have enjoyed sharing our travel experiences with them. For those who prefer not to be seated with the same people each night, there are alternative restaurants aboard most cruise ships or there are tables for just two people. But, we suggest you try sitting at a larger table just once…odds are you will always choose to do so.

4. Choosing where you want to be located on the ship. We minimize the opportunity for seasickness by booking a cabin that is located mid-ship and on a low deck. The laws of physics will tell you that this is the location of the ship, which experiences the least amount of movement. Another clue is that the ship's Medical Center is always in this location. For a first cruise it is recommended that you leave from a port closest to the calmest waters. For instance, a Caribbean cruise departing from southern Florida (Miami or Port Everglades) during non-hurricane season will generally guarantee smooth sailing for the entire cruise. If you are still concerned, speak to your physician about one month before sailing, they can either prescribe anti-seasickness medication or tell you about over-the-counter remedies.

5. Enjoying the activities and entertainment provided every day and every night. Sometimes the problem is that there is too much going on at one time. Every evening your cabin attendant will leave a program of the following day's activities and the evening entertainment schedule. You are free to participate and/or attend all or none of the activities. If you want to keep busy all day there is always something going on. If you wish to do nothing…that is exactly what you can do. The choice is yours…but you will never be bored.

6. Getting the best vacation value. The great thing about a cruise is that you cannot get the same economic value from a land-based vacation as you can from a cruise. We have taken many land-based vacations and enjoyed them very much. However, dollar for dollar going on a cruise provides the most bang for the buck. Gourmet meals every day; plush surroundings; entertainment all day and evening; a room which is cleaned twice daily and 24 hour room service. The only extras you generally pay for once on-board are your beverages (soda, wine, alcohol), gratuities, shore excursions and any purchases you make in the ships boutiques. And, of course, the casino!

So, go ahead, book that cruise; you'll have a great time. Bon Voyage!