Living Outside The Lines: “Come Sail Away”

What is it about cruises that makes them so popular? Only those individuals who have never personally experienced a cruise would ask why? Me, I have enjoyed the luxury of a cruise…

Becky J Miller | Exclusive to Corridor News

Cruises here. Cruises there. Cruises everywhere. In 2007, 15.8 million vacationers set sail for exotic cruise destinations. By 2016 that number increased to 24.2 million travelers, and late that same year, a 2017 estimate was 25.3 million passengers. Based on those numbers, one can safely conclude; cruises are increasing in popularity.

The question on everyone’s mind is why? Well, maybe not everyone’s, but still, what is it about cruises that makes them so popular? Only those individuals who have never personally experienced a cruise would ask why? Me, I have enjoyed the luxury of a cruise, my husband has not. Now, lest anyone go starting any rumors, the voyage was taken with my sister, her birthday gift to me.

Other than the on boarding and off-boarding which is akin to slow moving cattle, the experience was fabulous, one I would highly recommend. From the variety of activities, to the over abundance of delicious food, to the exciting excursions and fabulous cruise photographs, what’s not to love?

My father and step-mother have become card carrying elite cruisers, so when he warned, “I gained nine pounds on our first cruise,” I thought, “No way is that happening to me.” My poor sister; since I am the oldest, I have the luxury of being in charge, whether she likes it or not, and I became the self appointed, “Captain We Are Not Getting Fluffy!”

Our room was located on the ninth level of the ship. We took the elevator only during boarding and disembarkation. Even then I would have preferred the stairs, but there were suitcases, and I didn’t want to kill my sister before we left the Port of Galveston. But she was warned, “No elevators for the duration of the cruise!”

Both of us being somewhat introverted, my sister and I were a bit concerned with the formal dining arrangement of being seated with strangers, but afterwards we were glad we jumped out of our comfort zones and took a risk. The multi-course meals were worth any discomfort we may have experienced having to interact with others, but it really wasn’t awkward at all.

Our room was a windowless cracker box, but cruises are meant for getting out and having fun, so it really did not matter. We had comfy beds, adequate storage, a toilet and a shower. What else did we need?

There is simply no reason one should one ever experience boredom on a cruise. There are so many activities! We swam, raced down a giant waterslide, did the Cupid Shuffle, Macarena, Cha-Cha Slide, Wobble, and completely danced like no one was watching with hundreds of strangers. There was karaoke, a piano bar, Thriller dance lessons, a mega fitness area; all you can eat soft serve ice cream and the simple beauty of the ship, sky and ocean.

Choosing our excursions was perhaps the most difficult aspect of the cruise. Some of the excursions are ridiculously pricey, and not all advertised are available. Normally I am an extreme daredevil, but our cruise was maybe a year after the accident where I broke my neck, so I was still re-acclimating, and didn’t want her to pay for an adventure I would chicken out of doing.

We ended up kissing a parrot, holding a baby crocodile, four wheelin’ in some serious mud, snorkeling in the clear azure Caribbean waters, racing around shopping for souvenirs in Cozumel, and having an absolutely fabulous sister bonding time!

The variety of cruise destinations from which to choose is almost overwhelming; Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas, Canada, Cuba, Hawaii and many others.  There are also family cruises, singles cruises, couples cruises, and senior-citizen cruises, so much variety!

Cruises are virtually all inclusive. Alcohol is excluded, but some ships do permit passengers to bring wine/champagne on board and there are reduced beverage cards available for purchase. Professional photographs cost extra, but there is no obligation to purchase. And passengers may disembark at the ports of call and find their own adventure, without purchasing an excursion.

For passengers seeking to travel and see the world on a budget, cruises are definitely worth considering. I mean, come on, surely 25.3 million people aren’t completely wrong!  #comesailaway

Until Next Time,
Becky J Miller
“Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.