THE Best Way to Enjoy a Little R&R
Nancy and Fred in Venice during their Mediterranean cruise.
June 12, 2012
by Nancy Cruse
As this blog proves every week, there are many wonderful reasons to cruise. But if you ask me, it’s all about the R & R.
I learned that lesson the hard way, when I took my first cruise 11 years ago. Caring for my father during a long and painful illness, I injured my shoulder. It would be months after his death before I would be able to get surgery. My orthopedist, noting my recent loss and painful injury, ordered my husband, Fred, to take me some place I could relax.
As a friend of my husband’s had told him, “a cruise is the most relaxing thing you will ever do.” So we booked Dawn Princess to the Caribbean, and we’ve vacationed at sea ever since.
I have always loved being on the water, and the gentle rocking of the ship did not let me down. It was so soothing that for the first time in months, I was able to sleep peacefully through the night. During the day, I found that feeling relaxed made my shoulder and bereavement hurt less.
Fred and I are quick learners. Ever since that trip, we’ve averaged two cruises a year because we know that we’ll relax onboard those ships like no other place on land. I do not exaggerate. Fred is a busy attorney in our town of Hannibal, Mo. On top of all the urgent deadlines his practice involves, as an elected municipal judge who is on the bench two days a week, he juggles even more responsibilities.
Much like a doctor, he is on call with the police and city attorney to sign emergency warrants or with law firm colleagues to follow up on cases 24 hours a day. While that’s part of the job, vacations are supposed to be different.
Prior to discovering cruising, Fred and I liked to take camping/fishing trips to neighboring states. But even with Fred’s phone on vibrate, the interruptions were deafening. An emergency directive to come home and sign a warrant because the covering judge cannot be found will ruin your day. More than once we’ve had to pack our gear and hustle home in a hurry.
On land, cell phones ring and ring. At sea, not so much. While shipboard technology has improved–particularly Internet access–a cruise vacation still provides a sanctuary from most workday intrusions. People seem to get it, that you are on a ship and not in a hotel room. You can’t drop everything and drive home. Ship to shore calls are expensive, people are less inclined to track you down.
There are a couple things I like to do to maximize that relaxed feeling that I would like to share.
- For one, don’t wait to book a massage. Get one ASAP and you will enjoy the benefits of supple muscles and melted tension for the whole vacation.
- If you like to read, check out the Princess’ libraries. They are comfortable and little used, making them a calm, quiet place to unwind.
- By all means, book a balcony room if you can. You will love eating breakfast, reading or whale watching in Alaska on your own, private patch of deck.
- Most ships have an adult pool, some are even called the Serenity Pool. We love our grandchildren, but we are paying to relax so we go to the adult pool and bask in the peace.
There’s a better way to relax and it’s called cruising! Take it from me – Nancy CRUSE!
Nancy lives in Hannibal, MO and she and Fred have enjoyed 16 Princess cruises, with cruise #17 to the Baltic scheduled for August.
Nancy, we agree that cruising is the best way to enjoy some rest and relaxation! We know you’ll be able to “escape completely” on your upcoming cruise. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
Dear Nancy and Fred,
Your photo of a gondola ride in Venice shows a happy couple enjoying a romantic and happy ride. You’re never too old to enjoy something like that. It warms me, and gives me impetus to think about a Mediterranean cruise.
I will love to go and take my daughter on both of our first vaction
We did the circumnavigation of New zealand finishing in Sydney Australia. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Best way to travel!
were you on the sunprincess. i am wanting to know what the pools and tubs are like. around nz. i guess they would be inclosed. any reply appreciated. as we are off very soon around nz.
Ive always wanted to come see Australia.
Try the Diamond Princess cruises to/from Sydney November/March, and see a fair selection of Australian and Asian ports. The March 2013 Sydney/Tianjin cruise also visits ports in Japan, Korea, Taiwan as well as Hong Kong and China, and you can fly back from the nearby airport at Tianjin or stay a few days in Beijing.
And do try the Anytime Dining in the four lovely restaurants.
dear max my husband’s dream is to visit australia but we are a blended family of 6 and one of our daughters has cystic fybrosis and i was hit by a drunk driver in 1978 and have been in a wheel chair since 1989.due to all the reasons i have mentioned leaves the family budget a little too short for a cruise. but, I have been saving all my coins for quite a while just so I can send him to australia. If I send him alone maybe it won’t take too long. your description of the cruise sounds heavenly, believe it or not we have suffered the same loss the same wau my dad had cancer and i took care of him until he passed. he was in so much pain i still have a hard time rememvbering hjim because when i do i remember the suffering.Aah maybe the rocking of a shi could do thje same for me as it did for you.At least you have given me something I can dream happily about and I thank you for that. sincerely
Suzanne,
I do hope one day you and your husband will be blessed with a visit to Australia. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it!
Princess has several excellent trips. I took mine in February 2010 and began in Auckland, New Zealand. I enjoyed the people, the scenery and the Diamond Princess.
I love the days at sea and the time we spent in Milford Sound was awesome…think of water falls…really tall waterfalls.
The area was so green and breathtakingly beautiful. In Churchill the local people came out to wave good-bye to the cruise ship. In Tasmania I saw the Tasmania Devil, which is like of a cute/big rat…on the go all the time, but with really sharp teeth.
We finished our cruise in Australia, which I loved. We found there was much to do and wished we would have spent more time there. The Sydney opera house was so much more beautiful than I had ever imagined. I had always thought the roof was of some type of canvas, but it is tile. The tile makes for excellent pictures. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it the building.
Suzanne, dreams are very good and an excellent way to excape everyday problems. I hope & pray you both will one day reach Australia!
To Nancy Cruise: Good for you and your husband, Fred. My husband & I too love cruises.
We go on 2 a year; this year will be 3 as we do a back-to-back from the Mediterranean into the Black Sea, seeing some of the eastern European countries for the first time. Cruising is no as expensive as some think, tho the excursions do add up. We love it!. Joan W
I agree!! As a busy doctor with 12 clinics to oversee (clinical Pharmacologist) my partner and I started cruising on a continuing education cruise,we were hooked..We just got back from our second transatlantic (the only way to see Europe..cruise over then fly back) The cruise is 2 weeks and this one ended in London.I have very little ,if at all ,a CELL phone ringing as I sip my martini and watch the sunset.If you need relaxtion..do a cruise..especially a transatlantic! We leave on another November cruise that is continuing eduacation also..what a way to keep up with new therapies!! You MUST get a balcony if you can, it makes it even more of an escape.
How was the cruise across the Atlantic Ocean? I’ve heard that it can get rough? Obviously you enjoyed it.
We did 3 trans-atlantic cruises 3 years in a row and it was never rough.we did enjoy all of them. We are planning another one next year. Regards Pierre P.
Karen..It’s really the best form or R+R. The days were sunny,calm water and in the 60′s.Leaving the balcony door open at night brought in a cool breeze and the wonderful smell of the ocean. I was raised on Cape Cod so I love the ocean. They keep you busy all day, or if you want..do nothing..sleep in late..gourmet dining..a fun casino. They really make sure that you are treated like a Queen/King. This fall we are doining another crossing which will be our 3rd. Ask me anything you want to know..
Reading your blog just made my withdrawal even more difficult !!
On 29 August 2012 I arrived home (Sydney) after doing a 3.5 months WORLD CRUISE on the SUN PRINCESS. Where do I start ??!!!! no I won’t I’ll be here all day if I do.
I love my home and family, but if I could I would live on a cruise ship and just roll with the waves forever. I feel such a loss, almost a grieving for that carefree dream lifestyle. Am already planning my next cruise…of course finances always seem to dictate the length of the magic….
I know a few people that have riceeved their honeymoon cruise as a gift and for the most part everyting was fabulous, of course!In one particular case, the groom became ill and was not able to enjoy the cruise. Fortunately the cruise was only part of their honeymoon. 3 days were to be cruise, the other 4 days on land at a resort.I would not recommend hopping on a cruise ship for your honeymoon if you are susceptible or in doubt about sea sickness. You might want to develop your sea legs first to save a heartbreaking honeymoon.
I couldn’t agree more ! My husband and I are long time cruisers and have raised our children to love them as much as we do !
In fact, my son is presently cruising the Mediterranean, where he proposed to his girlfriend on a Gondola in Venice !!! Dreams do come true !!!!
Dear Victoria..that is so romantic! When I proposed, I was a starving medical student sitting in my car in Boston after dining at the 99!! It was a hamburger joint..need to do it properly agin..wish them luck for me. Dr.S.
Funny, my future daughter in law is a Resident here in NY,. They plan to wed after her residency is over ….. P.S. I too, was proposed to in my husband’s car !!!
In fact, at this moment, I am booking a cruise for ourselves and friends on the Caribbean Princess for the Fall. It’s our favorite way to vacation !!! Lots of well deserved R & R for us !!
I hole heartly agree with you Nancy. My husband and I are new to the cruising way of taking a holiday but it only took the first cruise to know that I was ready to book another. We just finished taking our 3&4 cruise on May 14th doing a 20 day Panama canal with the ship going all the way to Vancouver, B.C. so that the Coral Princess could change to the Alaska run. I work out in the northern Alberta oil patch cooking on a drilling rig and am got from sometimes up to 6 weeks doing 12 to 14 hours a day so when spring comes I want a nice relaxing holiday and no better way than on a princess cruise. Our next one planned is for next Mar.2013 a 28 day Hawaii and South Pacific.
You will absolutely love both Hawaii and the South Pacific. So much to see and learn.
I have never been but June 24 will bee my first.I’m so excitied
Another agreement here! We’ve been on 15 cruises with various cruise lines but our favorite is the 12 day Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice via the Greek Isles on the Grand Princess. A perfect itinerary. 11 stops in 12 days and we got to spend all day in each port from about 7am to 6pm.
Cruising is something that you can go all out and read that Princess Patter and do everything on the list of activities or you can just sit back and relax and do NOTHING! The choice is yours…………….
Mike & June really enjoyed the Denali side day trip! It was beautiful! And it was exciting to see many wild animals!
Sounds wonderful…when do I leave?
We did this cruise on the Star Princess last August. It was simply OUTSTANDING!!
I enjoy reading all about your different cruises. I’m headed to Alaska in September and spending 3 days in Vancouver at the end of the cruise. Any good suggestions of things we should do or sea during the cruise?
Hello Joyce, be sure to see the live shows offered. The dance classes are also enjoyable and good exercise. Have fun!
The salmon bake in Juneau is excellent. We also enjoyed the lumberjack show in Ketchikan and the White Pass railroad in Skagway. You will love Alaska and Vancouver. While in Vancouver, try to go to Stanley Park and Victoria Island.
We have made 3 trips to Alaska and I would like to say the salmon bake may be ok but the salmon on the ship is outstanding. For an experience while in Juneau, take the tram ride up Mt Roberts. The view is breath taking and and taking the trail around at the top you really get a feel of the flora and fauna in Alaska and by all means, do try to take the White Pass railroad from Skagway into the Yukon Territory, the ride of a life time with all the beautiful scenery, waterfalls and seeing the desert in Carcross along with the sled dog facility. It is some to remember for a long time.
I too enjoy and agree, cruise is the best way to relax, enjoy stress free vacation. October 2012 will be my fifth Princess cruise where we will sail from San Francisco to Hawaii. Princess is the BEST! PLAUDITS to Princess
My husband and I are going on our 5th cruise on the Star in October to Hawaii from San Francisco. We have made at least 28 trips by air and have love going to the islands but this I beleive will be most special as we use to see the ships sailing past on Maui at sunset and would say, how wonderful it would be to some day cruise to the island and we will be doing just that.
is there a senior club that you could suggest for cruises?
We own a small business and the phone and emails never stop…except when we cruise! Our customers know how hard we work and know our once a year cruise is our much needed downtime for r and r. Yes, we agree, as soon as we step onboard the stress starts melting away! Plus when we get back everyone is eager to hear about our cruise! We hope one day to be able to take 2 or 3 cruises each year. Now that would be heaven!
Nancy,
We also enjoy cruising and will be on the Emerald Princess on the August 30th Baltic cruise. We may see you there.
That is the day we return, you will be following us.
Nancy, I totally understand about how time spent cruising can ease bereavment. Didn’t realize how stressed I was from dealing with my father’s passing at 95 in 2006 until I took myself on a Transatlantic from Ft. Lauderdale to Copenhagen in May 2007. Came home so relaxed and rejuvenated. Cruising is the best stress reliever – going solo or with a travel pal. I’m currently saving up for cruise #13 – hopefully to the Orient or Africa – my retirement gift to me!
Hi Nancy, my wife and I have been on 57 cruises with #’s 57 and 58 booked on Princess. Thirty five of these have been on Princess and in the past three years we have been done four Transatlantic Cruises. If you want to relax and unwind that is what you want to do. The aformentioned planned two cruises on Princess will be transatlantic. In October we will be bringing the Ruby back to Ft. Lauderdale and in April of 2013 we will take the Emerald from Ft. Lauderdale to Copenhagen. I am a retired University Dean and we just love the days at sea.
Definitely the way to totally rest and relax. Doing our first transatlantic in December from Rome to Fort Lauderdale on the Pacific Princess. We are counting the days and so nice to have such an awesome cruise to look forward to!
The Venice picture was taken at the end of our Pacific Princess cruise from Athens to Venice (the Holy Land cruise). The small ships really have an intimate feel.
You will be addicted to transatlantic cruising!! Justget out of your shell and enjoy it all and arrived refreshed and ready to walk Europe!! Our 3rd is coming up but this time in reverse..fly over..spend a couple weeks, cruise back..I think I’ll be a vegetable at the end…ENJOY
Good Heavens, I agree with everyone here. I am a retired RN and cruising got into my blood in the early 90′s. Princess cruise line is the very best even though I have traveled on other cruise lines, my loyalty remains with Princess. I have enjoyed more than a dozen cruises but at least one or 2 every year is celebrated with the Princess Line. You absolutely must get a balcony. There is NOTHING like sitting outside and watching the sea, sky and an occassional aquatic character. And Princess cuisine and Pizza tops the “Best” list of all cruise lines. Even though I have been to the Caribbean too many times to count, I am looking forward to taking several friends on the Caribbean Princess this Decemeber. They want to know why I rave about Princess. Boy are they in for a treat.
I hear you Nancy. My husband and I just booked our second cruise with Princess for November 10. 2011. Can’t wait!!
2012. Sorry. I am so excited!
We are not Dr.’s,. lawyers, or otherwise wealthy folks. Rather, we are 79 year old retirees among the many who have lost 50% of our net worth in the financial (market) downturn since 2000. From ’95 to 2000 we took four cruises, including 2 on Princess — in ’98 inside passage on the Dawn Princess from Seward, AK to Vancouver, BC. Our last cruise was a 2000 Baltic cruise on the original Crown Princess. We agree that there is no vacation to equal a nice cruise, and we are determined to schedule one this year without too much more time elapsing.
My dear friend..you do not have to be rich to enjoy a cruise..they make you feel rich inside and thats what its all about i.e. being pampered and not having to do a thing but enjoy and relax..We wish you both the best cruise ever..remember this” A princess needs a King and Queen and you are the chosen ones!! “
My husband and I will be leaving this Saturday for our first cruise. We are going to Alaska! So excited. We own a dairy farm and this will be our first vacation since our honeymoon 25 years ago. We will be in Skagway on our anniversary.
My husband and I also are celebrating our 25th anniversary cruising Tracy Arm Fjord and in Juneau aboard the Star in July. This is our first cruise and we very much look forward to the quality R&R together. I have a feeling this will be the first of many cruises to come!!
Really quit interesting to read al of this.
I agree with ,what he said
It was vrry interestjng to read and find this out
We too have been on other cruise lines, but nothing compares to Princess! We hear that regularly from passengers we meet who have sailed on other cruise lines – we have even heard it from the professionals who have worked on different cruise lines.
The ships may differ in size and decor, but the Princess style is consistent – and consistently good. I’ve never experienced a bad Princess cruise, even ‘though I rate some ships higher than others.
Both my husband and I agree, Princess is the best. He fell ill last year while on a cruise and the care while in the infirmary was tops. The Drs. at the hospital he was taken to were so impressed with the care, records they kept and the good shape he was in by the time he arrived into their care. Bravo Princess! Our favourite line. We also enjoy the balconies! An extra treat to ourselves. Our dau. and s-in-l started us with them and now we don’t want anything but. One feels like you have been on a REAL holiday when cruising with Princess. We have done the Atlantic and didn’t find it rough at all.
We cruised to Hawaii and the South Pacific last year for 28 days in Oct. and Nov. and it was the most relaxing cruise i was ever on with 18 days at sea. We liked it so much we have thought of doing it again this year.
We are close to sailing on our 31st cruise this time on the Sapphire (3rd time) for 28 days to Hawaii (4th time) Samoa (1st time) and Tahiti (3rd time) and are ready to relax again. Our 2nd cruise to Tahiti included 6 islands with friends for our 50th anniversary on our 44th anniversary just in case we did not make it. We made it and did the 14 day Golden Princess cruise on our 50th. Our friends chose another way to celebrate theirs. Love how Princess has used Los Angeles a round trip port for those who do not wish the hassel of flying. Took another line on a 14 day Alaskan cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles which was something we wish Princess would consider.
My first cruise will be 7 days to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle in August. It is really something I am looking forward to and with these comments I am looking forward to it a little more.
Charles, on our 2nd trip to Alaska from Seattle, I went on the Princess web site and clicked on the web cam to watch the ship sail and every 5 minuets or so the scenery changes and you get a feel of what you are seeing when you are actually on the ship. I figured it took 1/2 hour to go from the dock to the open water. I have found this is a good way to start getting more excited about your trip.My sister-in-law did the same thing when she took her first cruise to Alaska out of San Francisco and watched the passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy
I also have done this. This will be my husband and my first cruise. It’ll be in July out of Seattle to Alaska. I enjoy checking the web cam daily to view the different ports knowing this is what we will actually be seeing next month.
If you want a great relaxing cruise, take the cruise on Princess from San Francisco to Sydney
It was wonderful. Our cruise was 30 days. I think they’ve changed the number of days on that one now.There is so much to see! The cruise was paced nicely. You will be definitely be away from all those obligations!!!
My husband and I did the reverse of that one: Sydney to Los Angeles: was absolutely fascinating and so much to see and learn. It was very nicely paced. A lot of our friends thought we were crazy to take such a long cruise as it was our first but not last one. Came home for 2 weeks and my husband suggested we had to continue north and do Alaska. That also was wonderful. Have done two other Alaskan cruises on other lines, but did not enjoy it as much.
We sail on the Golden Princess to Alaska on
July 7th. Can’t wait! This will be my family’s
first cruise and I am excited to get away from
iPhones, computers, and Wii games for a week
and focus on family fun.
I love Princess cruises, and a balcony is nice. However, it would be better if the ships had no-smoking sections for the balconies. Our balcony and open door seemed to be a magnet for other passenger’s cigarette smoke. And the “ladies?” next door were very loud and obnoxious when using their balcony. So unfortunately our balcony was not as enjoyable as we had hoped.
Princess has changed their smoking policy – no smoking on the balcony period! Only place to smoke is in designated areas. They even had several no smoking nights in the casino on our last cruise – which was #42. Forty-three is already booked and #44 is in the works. Love Princess.
I love Princess cruises, and a balcony is nice. However, it would be better if the ships had no-smoking sections for the balconies. Our balcony and open door seemed to be a magnet for other passenger’s cigarette smoke. And the “ladies?” next door were very loud and obnoxious when using their balcony. So unfortunately our balcony was not as enjoyable as we had hoped.
Hello everyone, read all your comments and love it. My wife and I are going our first Alaskan cruise with my son and his girl friend, my sister in law and her husband and grandson, we are so exited, and I want to know what to pack light or heavy. Will take the boat from Vancouver, Canada to Alaska.
We are also going to Alaska fr vancouver in sept 2012. I plan to pack clothing that I can layer and this advice came from another person who has done this cruise. This way you can either add or remove when weather permits. When are you cruising?
Leaving from HI to Vancouver, Canada and will spend couple days there, then will catch PRINCESS CRUISE on July 9, 12 to Alaska.
Yes cruising is the way to go. Just so relaxing and I just love the whole experience, food, friendships, entertainment. Likewise being on the sea is just wonderful and so so relaxing. We are doing Alaska next week and so looking forward to it. Happy travels
I arrived home from my Greek Island cruise last Thursday. It was my first holiday after 30 years of marriage. My husband passed away last August and it was a friend who suggested The Crown Princess cruise. Wow! After 12 days on board I am still not convinced that I saw the whole thing. I went with a group of twelve single Aussie ladies! We are now plannimg our next adventure…. Alaksa next June!!! Of course it will be on a princess cruise.
I loved your reason for cruising. I could not agree with you more. The serenity and escape a cruise provides can’t be beaten. My travel companion and I are scheduled for the Baltic cruise, departing Copenhagan Aug 29, maybe we will see you on it. Have fun and relax.
I REQUIRE OXYGEN 24/7 AND HAVE A PORTABLE RECHARGEABLE MACHINE. What facilities do you provide for the people with co2 problems. Art
Cruising is the most relaxing vacation. My husband and I have done 62 cruises on Princess and been all over, every cruise has something special. We are booked on the Emerald Princess in November and on the new Royal Princess for the Maiden Voyage.
We are booked to cruise the Orient in October aboard the Diamond Princess. This is our first cruise and we look forward to the treasures that await us on board and on land. Thanks for all the comments.
I’ve heard you were an excellent anisstast in the your brother’s frog dissecting surgery. Don’t forget that. There were no princesses allowed, I believe. Glad you got to be one later, at least internally, though.As a father, love, patience and the ability to see the princess within is the gift I can give. My fifteen year old daughter wants to go to a rock concert with me (I actually really like and respect the artist, Brett Dennen). I am honored.
Hello,
Anyone signed up for the Dec. 8- 15 cruise to the Caribbean?
Like David in a previous comment we are retirees with our disposable income and capital much depleted by the GFC — but with cruise prices coming down and loyalty programmes we can still budget carefullly and take l8-night repositioning cruises in our favourite cabin, lowest deck, mid-ship, with a nice big window. We can’t do balconies and specialty restaurants but its still the best holiday ever. Ships have been our favourite way to travel since we met on one 56 years ago – when Sydney/London gave us six weeks to fall in love! Singapore – here we come – again!!!!!
My wife Kay and I have just completed our 22nd cruise.Our first together was the Star Princess to Alaska.In 2010 I suggested we should see the world and subsequently booked the 104 day world cruise out of Sydney.Way to go.Making many friends on board we had a farewell dinner on the last leg from Auckland to Sydney with 16 friends who had bonded together.Q who wants to go home?A 16 definate NO’s.CRUISING the best holiday.PRINCESS the best cruise line.
I arrived home from my first ever cruise last thursday. After the death of my hsband of 30 years last August a friend urged me to go on a greek island cruise with her. Wow! I had not been on a holiday for almost 30 years. The whole experience was fantastis from beginning to end. We are now in the process of organising our next adventure-an Alaskan cruise next May.
Very nice story – keep up the CRUISING – Fred and Nancy!
Thanks for sharing
My husband and I have just returned from our 1st cruise, Sydney – Dubai (part of World Cruise) with Sun Princess and could not believe how relaxed we felt at the end of the cruise. Definitely will cruise again with Princess.
Nancy,
I couldn’t agree with you more about Cruising !
In 1981, my husband had booked us on a 4 nite – 3 day Cruise, and I had been a Guest of the Greek Government thanks to a prominent Greek Senator friend of mine, and the Greek Government took us by Ship, by Air, and Bus all over Greece for 2 wks. and those 20,000 Ton ships we were on were not all that beautiful and comfortable, so I told my husband that I didn’t want to go on the Cruise he booked.
Long story short, I did go, and it was on Premier Cruise Line and I enjoyed it so much, that we have now completed our 88th Cruise (various ships, and some are no longer sailing), and we have 32 Cruises with Princess, with one on 20 Oct.2012; booked for 28 April 2013, and waiting for 9 Oct. 2013 on the NEW Royal Princess.
We are like you, we do at least 2 Transatlantic Cruises each year, and love the 28 day Transatlantic Cruises.
Your picture from Venice, Italy reminds us of the many Cruises we have taken with Venice as a must for us. Years ago, we did a Land Tour of Italy, and saw a Cruise Ship in the Port of Venice, and told my husband that one day I would like to sail into Venice, and so we have sailed in, and sailed out of Venice several times.
Nancy and Fred, keep enjoying the Cruises, and may there be many, many more on your horizons.
REALLY ENJOYED ALL YOUR COMMENTS ,I HAVE DONE 7 CRUISES AS I ENJOY OTHER KINDS OF HOLIDAYS AS WELL.I FIND 14 DAYS IS ENOUGH FOR ME ,I AM READY TO GET OFF AFTER THAT ,LOVED SCANDINAVIA AND MY FAVOURITE IS CRUISING THE SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS,THE PEOPLE ARE TRULY BEAUTIFUL AND THE GLORIOUS CHILDREN YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH I TAKE THEM LOTS OF TOYS AS THEY DONT HAVE ALL THE MANY THINGS OUR CHILDREN HAVE, I HAVE CRUISES WITH ‘PRINCESS’ BUT MUCH PREFER ‘RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS’ [ROYAL CARRIBEAN] SO ENJOY ALL YOUR CRUISES AND ‘HELLO FROM AUSTRALIA” YOU WOULD ALL ENJOY A CRUISE AROUND AUSTRALIA ,ESPECIALLY ‘THE GREAT BARRIER REEF’ ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT
Loved your story and comments. And the photo was very familiar to us. We just returned from a Trans-Atlantic and Med cruise with Princess and have just about the same photo taken when in Venice. However, your heading about R & R is just a little off base for us. There are so many things going on, onboard and in ports, that we have to try and relax upon returning from our cruises. But that’s just fine with us, we enjoy keeping busy, sun-up to sun-down and many days, well into the night. That’s just proof that Princess has so much to offer it’s passengers. That is, if you want to participate in everything!! Thanx for sharing. Tim & Janet Fagerstrom
Wow … after reading all those Great comments, I’m even more excited. I am going on my very first cruise in Nov . It will be an Eastern Caribbean Cruise on the Ruby Princess. This the first on my ‘bucket list’. Everyone tells me how great it is, but I must admit I’m a little apprehensive because of past motion sickness. Folks assure me that won’t be a problem. I have an inside cabin. I will be on Grand Turk Island on my 70th bd… yeh !… So looking forward to it.. any advise will be gladly accepted… thanks
Hi everyone, this is my first trip and looking forward to it but am apprehensive as well as I get motion sickness as well. Question my hubby does not like formal at all. We have anytime dining. Is that alright with just smart casual. Thanks anyone who can help.
The moment you step on the ship you will feel so ah home and relaxed,i cant be bothered with really formal nights these days ,just wear dress slacks or a skirt and a top /shirt with a bit of bling or go to one of the other eating restaurants,or a buffet ,i dont like buffets but many go on a formal night ,you are not alone innot wanting to go really formal,after a busy day going ashore its just to much effort love from AUSTRALIA
Husband & I have been on about 12 cruises, most on Princess ships. He is now 80 and I will soon be 79 and have metastasized breast cancer to 5 areas of my bones. We want to go to Alaska again and since time is critical, we are hoping to find a last minute 7 day cruise which sails the last week of August, 2012. I understand there are a couple available, one on the Diamond Princess which sails the 29th of August from Galveston, Tx. We are trying to contact our travel agent to book passage in a balcony room. Are there more?
P.S. to above message. My error: The Diamond Princess sails from Vancouver, not Galveston.
Hope to hear from you right away.
I enjoy meeting new people and the crew on the ship. the saphire princess and the star princess have excellent crews and and i love talking to them.
I think I just lost my original comment…
Is it age or speed of fingers..whatever
Returned home on 29 August 2012 from a SUN PRINCESS 104 day WORLD CRUISE !!!!
The experience, the magic, the wonder of it all has left me yearning for more and grieving because it’s over. Photos ? One thing I certainly won’t be doing again and that is leaving with 1 pieces of luggage and returning with 9 yes 9 !!
I know, crazy woman, that’s me, I do tend to be a bit excessive in all things including my obsession with cruising.
In the past two years my wife and I have been on four cruises . It was our first opportunity to do what we always wanted to since we retired and our children were on there own. My wife had some medical issues and I had multiple surguries. We finally ovecame these issues and found cruising to be very enjoyable and restfull. We have a cruise planned on “Princess” in the near future . This will be the first cruise with this co. and we are looking forward to seeing ports we haven’t been too . We like the idea that everything is on board that one would look for on a shore vacation, dining, entertainment sightseeing at the ports of call and relaxing while at sea. My wife especially likes the shopping on board and at the ports. best vacations we’ve had in a long time!!!
How does one get around the star princess if I have a painful time walking and using a cane? My husband does not want me taking a walker. Do you think I could fall when the ship rolls?
We are going on the ten day Mexican cruise in sept .would I be better off staying inside the ship? And not on the deck? I am in my seventies but in good health. Thankyou
We want to schedule a trip to Mexico in November…what type of clothing should one take for a 7-day cruise? What will the weather be like in Mexico?
Enjoyed both of our previous cruises …and maybe one day we can go again.
Belated 57th Anniversary Celebration
Belated 57th Anniversary celebration and see more of the beautiful world that God has created.