Johnny Jet snapped a pic of me and hubby on beach in Roatan
We just experienced our first cruise and lately, I’ll admit, I’ve been a bit skeptical on any offer that comes my way. Months ago, when the invitation came from Princess Cruise Lines to experience a romantic cruise for two (under the guise of a Twitter Press Trip), I said, “What the Hell” and planned on going full throttle. A press trip usually includes a full itinerary and little downtime. This one happened to turn into an accidental vacation. My bosses at work helped me plan time away from my normal routine, unfortunately, I had no idea that I would take my first cruise with so much other drama going on my life. The fact is: This Princess cruise experience couldn’t have come at a better time.
The naysayers have been making comments online regarding ethics, environment, bias, etc. Personally, I really don’t give a you-know-what and have realized that some people just want to complain for complaint’s sake or they think it will draw attention to their own website. I don’t care. I just know that I can only go by my own personal experience and what my preconceived thoughts were about cruising and what they are now. I refuse to let unhappy people try to take away the value an experience has for me.
What I think is really hilarious is how travel snobs bash all-inclusive resorts and cruise lines when they’ve never actually experienced either one. And guess what? Not everyone wants to go off the beaten path. Some people actually like to take a VACATION.
I looked up the word vacation and this is what I found: a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday
Cervesa in Cozumel in a deserted area
I’ve really enjoyed being away from home with no phone ringing, no one from work trying to mess with me, no bill paying. I’ve done nothing but recharge my battery, reconnect with my husband and eat food prepared by other people. I don’t even have to clean up after myself (to a certain extent). I have this really cool dude, Ed, who is my cabin steward. He even pulls down my bedcovers at night so that all I have to do is climb under the sheets and close my eyes at the end of the day. And you know what I did while away? I just ate an entire plate of fabulous canapés and washed them down with some bubbly; the entire bottle. I also got a bit crazy and had a tattoo of the Twitter bird, in honor of this Inaugural Twitter Press Cruise (henna, not permanent. I’m not THAT crazy).
There are pros and cons to anything we choose to do in life. Right now, I’m focusing on the pros and I’ll worry about the cons when I get back home, because the Good Lord knows I have plenty of those!
So don’t knock something until you’ve actually tried it yourself. Break out of your comfort zone and plan on doing something new. You may find that you just might enjoy it.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Shannon – so glad to hear that you enjoyed the cruise.
Andy and I took a cruise to Alaska this summer. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. I ended up loving it.
As you mentioned, taking a cruise can be incredibly relaxing. When I reflect back to our cruise, I have memories of the beautiful scenery, all the fascinating things I learned about Alaska, and being stress-free. *dreamy sigh* Those were very happy times!
Cruising isn’t really for me but you should go and enjoy your vacation however you like. It sounds like you had a relaxing and uplifting time and that is what the idea of a break is all about. Don’t let other folks spoil or question your approach to a holiday.
I agree with you, Shannon. Not all travelers are looking for “authentic” experiences. Especially in the U.S., our population is over-worked and “under-relaxed.” Many of those people are simply looking for enjoyable down time. A cruise is perfect for that plus there are many affordable choices out there. I’m glad you enjoyed your vacation
.
Donna Hull´s last blog ..Saturday’s scene: Shanghai’s City Lights
Here’s to great vacations! But all the hubbub over the press trip has created a situation where folks are overlooking a very important point: you can get off the beaten track for an “authentic” experience AND have a relaxing vacation. Places like the Authentic Seacoast let people get away from it all with secluded beaches, quiet fishing villages with old “salts” and local food while still offering luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining and warm hospitality. In a busy world, let’s help people find those places where they can get their rest and relaxation and if it’s not our cup of tea, just let them just be peace.
Hi Shannon:
All inclusive resorts re definitely not for me – I’ve tried them and I don’t like the sanitized experience. on’t know about cruises because I’ve never taken one – I suspect that might be a bit different. But the important thing is that YOU had a god time. Way to go, girl! Nothing like recharging those batteries.
Barbara at Hole in the Donut Travels´s last blog ..Blogging Boomers Carnival 139 Hosted By Don’t Gel Too Soon
It’s so freeing when we don’t care what others think…Good for you! Everyone is different, and being brave enough to do what you want is rare but worth it! Glad you had a fabulous vacation!
The All-Inclusive has its place and I’m not opposed to them. For some families, travel isn’t as frequent as some of us have the opportunity for and the one week of vacation the parents have is used purely for recreational relaxation and stress free moments. THAT is definitely what I experienced on my cruise. I had the comfort of a hotel suite, no one could call me, and all my meals were taken care of. I could get used to that!