A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship."
Gilligan's Island Theme Song
Over time, I've ridiculed people who take vacations on cruise ships. It's only fair that I am about to eat my words -- we leave Friday on a cruise.
I have been worn down by the slow and persistent trickle of cajoling from friends and family who tell me I'll love it. I am struggling mightily to believe them. Philosophically I'm not thrilled with the luxurious excesses most cruise ships tout as "amenities". I'm not thrilled with non-stop people, activities, and entertainments. I'm not thrilled with "formal nights", but I understand we can opt out. Yet, even standard cruise ship-suggested attire for dining is expected to be "smart casual". I'm not sure my casual is smart enough. I'm especially not thrilled with the possibility of seasickness. (Oh, believe me, I've read all the online first-person narratives about this!)
I am thrilled with sharing this adventure with Hub and our travel companions, two good friends and enthusiastic cruisers, who are among those who assure me I'll be fine and it will be fun.
So far, I've actually paid very little attention to the pre-cruise planning. (I've sort of taken to comparing it to a colonoscopy prep -- rather unpleasant and messy -- but tolerable if you don't give it too much thought.) Hub has spent hours (many, many hours!) navigating the "shore excursion" options, shopping and comparing trips and fees, making reservations, etc. I believe he has this all worked out and I believe I said "yes" to what has been decided. I rejected any open water boat trips (the whales will have to breach without me) and small helicopter glacial landings (puh-leeze!) I think we will be on sightseeing buses and trains and trams and hiking trails and if the weather permits, a kayak trip on some bay or other. (In spite of my fear of big water, I do love a protected bay and an afternoon of kayaking).
I'm very much looking forward to seeing Alaska; never been there. People say it's quite wonderful -- as in truly "full of wonder". After seven days of cruising and various ports of call, which will include those shore excursion tours, we get off the ship in Seward and hop on a motor coach for a trip to a lodge in Denali for 2 nights, then a train to Anchorage where we spend a night, then a flight back home. Whew!
To most this sounds like a perfect trip. To me, well. It sounds like a lot of "going and doing" and not enough "being". I like a lot of down time; quiet time; non-scheduled time; at home time, actually. But I am open to being surprised and delighted by the whole thing. I want to have a fabulous experience. And attitude is so important in these matters….most matters, actually.
Besides, I have enough seasickness remedies in my carry-on to keep me in a twilight state of barely conscious alertness throughout the trip. Yep, just like a colonoscopy.
At least, that's the view from here… ©
Enjoy! The vastness of the water is perfect for meditation!
ReplyDeleteFROM AN EMAIL: You are too funny making an analogy of preparing for cruize and colonoscopy. :) Thanks for laugh. Cheers to choosing your fun and avoiding the rest.
ReplyDeleteFROM AN EMAIL: I spent lots of time in the cabin on the cruise last year. We had a very large window, good light, except for reading at night. Light came in the large window in the daytime.
ReplyDeleteMy friend knew to ask for open seating at meals, so we met with different people each day and that was great fun (even for me, the only introvert on the ship). One group traveled together often and we laughed all evening. I think others complained about us!
Food on the Lido is every bit as good as the dining room. If you know what to look for, the same items will appear on the Lido buffet as are in the dining room. Check the menus at the dining room on the nights you don't eat there.
Given that the average age is 80 on those ships, the formal night is pretty lax, so what you wore for the recent wedding would be great. You will look better than 99 % of them anyway, just because you really do look 42! Remember, you two are some of the young ones in my eyes. You always look wonderful, so what ever it is you wear when I see you will suffice anywhere you will go. Of course, the ship's store will have glittery things just in case you feel under dressed.
Warmth will be the key when you are viewing the glacier or glaciers. It was cold in Tracy Arm and in Glacier Bay. Rained a bit in both places. I took a couple Costco down things and layered them depending on the temperature. I really enjoyed the whale watching tour. The son of a sister-in-law was part of the crew so we got a little special treatment on that trip (not part of the cruise adventure).
I have never been sea sick and just loved the day at sea on the way to Seward. Be sure to take the early tour (starts around 6AM) in Denali as that is when you see the animals. Neither of us wanted to get up that early, so we saw lovely scenery, but no animals. People shared their wonderful pictures with us. Live and learn!
I can't wait for your take on Alaska and cruising. That is one of the two places I'd actually like to travel to, the other being Nantucket. I have mixed feelings about cruises, too, but everyone I know who has done it loves it. Have fun and I'll bet they'll have yoga classes you can take.
ReplyDelete