The concept of "going on a cruise" has never appealed to me. All those people. Confined space. Specific schedule. Activities. But, mostly. . . All those people.
But when my sister and I decided to head to Scandinavia together, a cruise option really made the most sense for us. Our earlier trips (London, Paris, Amsterdam) had been to major-tourist-destination cities, easily navigable and manageable on-your-own. Scandinavia, though, seemed more complicated.
So. Cruise.
We chose a smaller cruise -- one with 600 people (still a lot. . .), rather than one of the larger boats featuring a cast of thousands (way too many).
And it turned out to be . . . not so bad!
It was very convenient to just unpack our stuff once -- all organized in our unbelievably efficient stateroom -- and take our room (and our stuff!) with us from country to country!
The views were fabulous.
All the time.
Every way you turned.
The food was very good.
The wine (and champagne) were free-flowing (we had a beverage-inclusive package!).
And there was plenty of time to kick back and relax while we were out at sea.
And because the weather was cool. . . and the passengers on the older side . . . there wasn't a lot of partying going on at the pool! (Or anywhere else, for that matter.)
Really, it was all very civilized.
And convenient.
I'm not a cruise-convert, but I will say that for certain destinations, it works! If you want to see Scandinavia (or probably the Mediterranean), I'd say. . . cruisin'. . . is a good option!
I've had the same concerns about cruising and so we've never gone...glad to hear that it maybe isn't so bad! Getting sea sick is still a potential problem though. o.0
Posted by: Marilyn | 07/10/2012 at 08:42 AM
Good to know...we had one experience years and years ago and DRD said never again! I like the idea of a small crowd...and maybe a girlfriend instead!
Posted by: Patty | 07/10/2012 at 08:50 AM
I think a cruise makes a lot of sense for this kind of trip. It's how I'd like to go see the Mediterranean at some point.
Posted by: Carole | 07/10/2012 at 10:11 AM
The views of water and sky would make the cruise worthwhile! The food looks fabulous, the quiet time heavenly and not packing up every night would be wonderful!
Posted by: margene | 07/10/2012 at 10:26 AM
hmmmm- you've gotten my wheels turning- husband wanted to cruise - i am/was resistant...
Posted by: Lynn | 07/10/2012 at 10:56 AM
St Petersburg?! I am so bitter and jealous you have no idea. I'm so glad you enjoyed the cruise. I've got the same reservations you had. Plus dreadful flashbacks of a Channel crossing that was not good.
Posted by: Cookie | 07/10/2012 at 12:42 PM
I always worry that the crew may not be up to their jobs, particularly the actual driving of the boat. But, as one of Scandinavian heritage, I would have complete faith in a Scandinavian crew and cruise line. (Yes, I am clearly prejudiced but only in matters of my own safety.)
Posted by: kmkat | 07/10/2012 at 07:34 PM
Not a natural born cruiser either, but did take a knitting cruise once and that was a nice option. Also 4 sprints around the perimeter of that particular ship equaled 1 mile. A great way to start the day on a cruise. And I agree with Cookie. St. Petersburg?! How could you??
Posted by: Chloe | 07/10/2012 at 09:57 PM
The only cruises that have ever held any appeal for me are the Mediterranean or Alaska... though I must admit that cruising the Caribbean in winter is more appealing with each passing January.
;)
Posted by: Vicki | 07/12/2012 at 08:31 PM