Have You Ever Been On A Cruise?
By Sharon
@simone10 (54187)
Louisville, Kentucky
September 19, 2015 6:50am CST
It was back in 1997, right after my Mom had passed away. A very dear friend and her family invited me to go on a trip with them. The first stop was Disneyworld and it was the first time I had ever been. I loved it then and I still love it today.
We only stayed at Disney for a couple of days and then moved on to Cape Canaveral. My friends had booked a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas. I have to admit that I was a little bit nervous. I can't swim and all I could think about was the Titanic.
When we left port, my stomach was full of butterflies. But, right away the crew started dancing and singing and getting everyone involved. Soon my mind was taken off of my fears and I was thoroughly enjoying myself.
I won't go into a lot of descriptions about the actual cruise itself as it would end up being a very long discussion. That would be a discussion all by itself. I will say that everyone makes you feel like you are so special and there is always lots and lots of good food.
The next morning we arrived at our destination and as I drank my early morning cup of coffee out on deck, I saw dolphins playing in the water. To me, that was every bit worth the trip all by itself. The island was beautiful and there were so really beautiful homes. But there was also poverty that I was amazed to see. I was naive and had no clue that people lived that way when their island was a such great tourist attraction. I did buy some tee shirts from some of them who had set up stalls right outside port. These poor people begged and it broke my heart. It has stayed with me for all of these years.
I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and often talked about going on another one. I did suffer a little bit of seasickness but it was only when we were down a few flights and I could really feel the motion of the ship. We had seasickness pills which I took and soon felt much better.
I loved being out on the water once I got over my fear. I would definitely love to go again but I'm sure I would have to conquer those old fears all over again. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you want to go on one?
16 people like this
17 responses
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
19 Sep 15
I have never had the privilege of going on a cruise although my youngest Son and his wife have been on at least 2 and are going on another I believe in October. I would go if given the chance. It would be getting to the ship that would be the challenge as I live in the boondocks of PA. So glad you were able to go and it sounds as though the timing couldn't have been better. God bless you
4 people like this
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
23 Sep 15
@simone10 O God bless you what an awful sad year. I am so sorry that you have had so many losses and in a years time. O I pray the Lord will bless you with strength and comfort you.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
26 Sep 15
@Butchcass4 Thank you so much! This happened many years ago but it took a long time to get over.
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
19 Sep 15
yer a braver soul 'n i! i'll go chuggin' 'long on a pontoon 'r e'en a houseboat but've not mustered up the gumption to get on a big ol' ship full 'f folks. ya know, coz i'm folka-a-phobic? i'd not fear the waters 'n what lies beneath - jest the ability to NOT be able to escape the folks. that'd surely do me in! bet that was a beaut 'f a morn though - watchin' 's the dolphin swam by.
so many countries 've extreme poverty. that greed that greases the wheel fer only those who're well-to-do :(
i'll leave that cruisin' to yerself 'n ms. @jaboUK , lol. y'all jest be sure 'n send me pic's 'n tales 'f such, k?
4 people like this
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
20 Sep 15
I absolutely love them! I've been on a handful of them - always island in the Caribbean. It's so nice as you really don't want to leave and come home. It's nice interacting with the employees and having a great time on the sea. I don't get seasick so that's a plus, and like you I can't swin so I have to wear a life preserve.
1 person likes this
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
23 Sep 15
@simone10 The entertainment on the ship is top notch. It's like you're going to Broadway shows.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
26 Sep 15
@callarse1 I couldn't agree more. I like having a vacation where you feel like you are in another world and the outside world doesn't exist. Even if it is only for a short time.
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
20 Sep 15
My first holiday abroad was an educational cruise organized by my school in 1977. I loved it, though my sense of more traditional cruises is a package tour in a floating coach where everyone acts needlessly posh and wanders round a moving hotel.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
22 Sep 15
@simone10 It was yes, plus I met my first girlfriend on the cruise which made it extra special
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
26 Sep 15
@arthurchappell How wonderful to meet your first girlfriend on a cruise, very romantic.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472087)
• Switzerland
21 Sep 15
I have been on two cruises with my parents when I was not yet married and one with my husband, the year after we married. I have to say that this is not my favorite holiday, I prefer to reach quickly my destination and to walk around or visit by car.
1 person likes this
@VickiJW (260)
• Canada
19 Sep 15
I've not been on a cruise, although I have traveled extensively over the years. I'm presently considering going on an Alaska cruise though, while there's still some ice!
Glad you had a friend at that time who could treat you to a cruise. That was a wonderful thing to do.
3 people like this
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
20 Sep 15
I was set to one day go on a cruise. I am afraid that will all of the accidents, virus and sickness scares on cruise ships I have lost my passion for the idea of a cruise.....
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23671)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
19 Sep 15
In the 1970s I took cruises here, there and everywhere--about 7 altogether--until I realized that I would rather be in the place I want to see than being on the sea 4-5 days! Though I must admit I LOVED the midnight chocolate buffets!!!
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83103)
• United States
19 Sep 15
Going on a cruise is something I'd love to do but so far my dream hasn't been fulfilled. I'd also worry about getting sea sick
1 person likes this
@ria1606roy (2797)
• Kolkata, India
30 Sep 15
Ur story really touched my heart I definitely want to go on a cruise, maybe to Andaman and Nicobar. I've been on a boat several times.....when we are going through a river or crossing it. I love that feeling or rocking to and fro.....It's a wonderful experience.
1 person likes this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
19 Sep 15
I have never been on a cruise and don't want to go on one as you can't trust those cruise ships with all that has been going on with them. If I want a vacation I will take one right here in the US and see some things I haven't seen before. There is always more to see here.
1 person likes this