How to Convince Your Spouse (or Family or Friend) to Take a Cruise

It can be really frustrating when you’re itching to try a cruise, but your spouse keeps putting up roadblocks. And with every bad news story, that roadblock gets taller and wider.

For a veteran cruiser, it can be maddening when you can’t get your family member or friend to try one. It’s kind of like having a favorite food that no one else will taste.

I’ve been there. I’ve done my share of coaxing, cajoling and arm-twisting. Sometimes it’s worked. Sometimes, it hasn’t. In any event, here are my very best suggestions for getting that special someone to try something we just know they’re going to like. If only…

Find out what excites them and zero in on it. For an active person, play up the rock climbing walls,

Rock climbing on the Allure of the Seas

zip lining and surf-maker on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships. The catamaran, parasailing or scuba diving excursions in the Caribbean islands. Entice gamblers with visions of roulette tables at sea. Tempt people who want to be pampered with menus of massages

Allure's Solarium

Appeal to all the senses. My spouse and I talked about cruising for years before trying it. Behind our procrastination was fear—we really had no idea what it was like. After all, it’s not like you can just walk onto a cruise ship, take a look around, say thank you and be on your way. And photos don’t really do it. Video helps because it involves more of the senses; it allows you to feel the excitement in a way that photos just can’t

So, find a documentary on cruising. You can rent one from your local library or see if the Travel Channel is airing one. Visit the cruise line websites for video clips and 360-degree views. Here’s a video on the Oasis class ships. Also, check out YouTube; it’s got a treasure trove of clips cruisers have posted from their trips

Let them hear someone else’s voice other than your own. The person you may trying to convince may be tuning you out at this point. If you know someone else who’s a cruise enthusiast, recruit him/her to help. Does your spouse/family/friend have a newspaper or magazine he/she regularly reads and trusts? Find an article on cruising from this source and share it, such as this one from The New York Times

Show them the cost. In the end, many things come down to cost. And this is where you can get some of your best ammunition. Break down a typical vacation to calculate the daily cost. Do the same for a cruise. Here’s one tool you can use

If none of these strategies work, don’t despair. It’s always possible some of this has gotten through and then when you least expect it, your spouse/family/friend has jumped onboard!

 

 

What to Do With Those Cruise Trip Photos

Given the choice, most people wouldn’t want to give up their digital cameras and go back to film. Yet, part of me looks back wistfully at the days when I didn’t come home from a trip with 2,000 photos to go through.

On a recent cruise, upon seeing that my spouse and I were about to go into a port with five cameras between us, a woman said to us, “We don’t take photos any more. What do you do with them?”

 
Good question.
 
To give purpose to the drudgery of going through digital trip photos, a few years ago I scouted around for ideas and have since put (some of them) into action. Below are the ones I’ve come up with. If you’ve got others, do share!
 
Calendar—I’ve been creating one every year from Costco’s photo online service, but there are many places that do it—Shutterfly, CVS, Walgreen’s—to name a few. Calendars are cheap to produce and you get to relive your trip all year round

 

Digital picture frame—We’ve got a bunch of these now at home and work, each with different photos. They’re easy to use and you can swap out individual photos or whole SD cards when you get tired of the same images. For me, the mother of all digital frames is the Nix 15” X15B. The resolution makes pictures pop and the screen is big enough to really bring the Caribbean to life right there on your desk
 
Photo books—Someone I know has created many of these—hard-bound, coffee table-worthy books of travel shots from digital pictures. They’re really an updated version of the old photo album but much better. She did them through Shutterfly and they’re reasonably priced
 
Computer and cell phone wallpapers—Take your best photos and turn them into wallpaper or a screen saver for your computer and cell phone. Much better than downloading someone else’s
 
Other stuff—Then there’s Christmas cards, prints for the wall, mugs, mouse pads, magnets, key chains…And photo contests. Or, you could do what I did—start a blog!

Alas, you’ll still have to go through your 2,000 photos when you get home. But, at least you’ll have something to do with them!

P.S. You can even get started while you’re still onboard—Holland America and Celebrity both offer digital photo workshops (availability may vary by ship).

 

Why You Should Do Your Own Research

On our recent cruise in the eastern Caribbean, in the crowded cafeteria, we ended up sharing a table at lunch with an elderly couple we didn’t know. We struck up a conversation and eventually, it turned to the ports. “Do you know anything about Dominica?” the woman asked. “Someone told us not to get off the ship because it’s too dangerous.”

The harbor of Roseau, Dominica

I was speechless, which, believe me, doesn’t happen too often. Roseau, Dominica is one of our favorite ports, I replied when I found my voice. And then I extolled the virtues of the island—its  compact harbor tightly framed by lush green mountains, generous display of colorful tropical foliage throughout the capital city and the array of earthy locally made baskets for sale. Not to mention the free wi-fi from the nearby public library…



Sold by vendors along the pier

When we got to Dominica, my spouse and I left the pier to begin our usual jaunt up and down the hilly streets. Before we had walked more than a few blocks, we bumped into the same couple. They breathlessly told us about a little museum they discovered where they learned about the island’s culture and history. And they marveled at how they had this little gem completely to themselves.

The woman paused, looked at me and then added, “You know, you were right about Dominica. Next time we take a trip, I’m going to get a book and do my own research.”

Quaint and Quirky: Alaska’s Cruise Ports

The natural beauty, of course, is the real star of Alaska. Snowy mountains everywhere you look. Glaciers that are really that blue. Waterways littered with ice in late May. Soaring eagles, breaching whales. Desolate, pristine, untouched loveliness.

But the ports are a hoot, too.

They’re quaint and quirky, as only they can be in a state that refers to the rest of us as the “Lower 48.”

And you’re never far from that overwhelming beauty—as you will see from the towns’ settings. We enjoyed them immensely and know you will too. Here, as briefly as possible, are my highlights of the ports of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan—all easily walkable from the piers:

Juneau—If you’ve been to San Francisco, you’ll understand when I say a few minutes walking

Juneau, Alaska's capital

through the streets of the Juneau will reacquaint you with your calf muscles. On one of those hills is the unassuming St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church that, with its small onion dome, looks strangely out of place. You can find other reminders of Alaska’s Russian past in the shops, with their array of nesting dolls. For those of us not planning a trip to Russia anytime soon, they make fun and different souvenirs.

 
The state capital is small and we saw it all before lunch. We then grabbed an inexpensive bus (the vendors lined up along the pier) to

The icy waters of Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier, only 12 miles away. You get great views of the glacier in the park, which provides several vantage points.

Skagway—This is a literally a town made for tourists. There are only 950 or so full-time residents, one school, one AM and one FM radio station, and a post office that closes for lunch. But when the cruise ships are in town, the population swells to more than triple its usual size.

Skagway: Ft. Lauderdale of the North?

With its frontier-style buildings, some dating back to the Gold Rush days, Skagway was the most charming of the three ports. At the turn-of-the-century Red Onion saloon, it’s not hard to picture down-on-their-luck miners dulling the pain with camaraderie, drink and women more than happy to take their last dime.
 
Here’s a funky piece of Skagway trivia from the Golden Princess’ Princess Patter: because Skagway is in one of the driest (as in less rain) parts of Alaska, it attracts college students on spring break and has become known as the “Ft. Lauderdale of the North.” Not sure about that comparison, when late springtime temps in Skagway barely make it out of the 50s!

Ketchikan—Just shopping alone can keep you busy the whole time you’re here. Whether you’re after pricey Eskimo art or cheap trip mementos, you’ll have plenty of choice. And if you like salmon, you’ll be in seventh heaven in Ketchikan, the self-described “Salmon Capital of the World.”

Scenes, spots and shops of colorful Ketchikan

Beginning in June, fish traveling up the Salmon Ladder for spawning becomes a tourist attraction. We were there too early for this show, but got our fill of the fish, tasting our way through the shops selling it canned, smoked, spiced or petrified.
 
One of the many areas where you’ll find the salmon shops is Creek Street, the town’s old red light district. Today it’s a cluster of cutesy shops built on wood pilings over a clear, rustic rushing brook.
 
Then there are the totem poles—on the streets, in the parks, in front of shops and inside them.

You can bring one home to sit on your desk or to fill an entire corner of your living room. They’re colorful, intriguing and expensive.

Alas, you’re likely to see all this fun stuff from beneath the rim of an umbrella. Ketchikan gets an average of 153 inches of rain a year. Which explains, said the Golden Princess’ Juneau-born cruise director, why “in Alaska, we don’t tan, we rust.”

Find Culture and Photo Ops in the Food Markets of the Caribbean

There are few better places for immersing yourself in local Caribbean culture than island food markets.

Wander past open stalls laden with fruits and vegetables you recognize and some you don’t, dodge the children running in and out of the aisles as kids everywhere do, see vendors swapping gossip—it’s a glimpse into a world beyond the souvenir shops.

Best yet, they’re only a stone’s throw from the piers.

Ask a local to identify one of those strange food items. A few weeks ago in Dominica, a vendor told 

Sorrel destined for juice

me his pile of what looked like red flower tops was sorrel (in the hibiscus family), which the locals use to make juice during the Christmas season.

When you show some curiosity, you’ll learn something about the island where you’re spending your time and money.

And if photography’s your thing, these markets offer great photo ops.

But a word of warning: at some markets, such as Granada’s Spice Market, some vendors sell aggressively. And at all the markets—like those anywhere else in the world—you may find some locals who look at you with suspicion, yet others who are friendly and welcoming, and willing to answer a well-meaning question or two.

So, here’s my top list of food markets:


Roseau farmers market

Dominica (Roseau) farmers market—pineapples, bananas, mangos, ginger and many other types of fruit and vegetables are sold from open stalls in the capital city of Roseau. When you get off the ship and walk down the pier, make a left and walk down to the waterfront. For more on the market, visit the website of the Uncommon Caribbean.


Fresh from the sea in Barbados

 
Barbados (Bridgetown) fish market—all matter of seafood—mahi-mahi, tuna and swordfish, to name a few— is cleaned in full view and sold to the public. It’s along the Princess Alice Highway and if you’re walking into Bridgetown from the ship, you can’t miss it on the right-hand side. 


Spice Market in Granada

Granada (St. George’s) Spice Market—spices in bags or baskets for home use or gifts can be bought very inexpensively at the colorful and frenetic market on Grand Anse Beach. For a few dollars, you can get a unique necklace made of turmeric, nutmeg and bay leaf—spices grown on the island (note: the necklace deteriorates very quickly)

Curaçao (Willemstad) floating market—vendors come to Curaçao from Venezuela to sell their papaya, coconuts and more right from their wooden boats

And while you’re absorbing the local culture, you might consider purchasing an item or two to help the island economy. The vendors become considerably warmer when they have an American dollar or two in their hands!

Know of any other food markets? Do share!

Cruising Alaska 101

This week, I’m going to switch gears and talk about Alaska. With most of the country in a deep freeze, probably the idea of Alaska as a destination is not top of mind right now. But if you’ve been thinking about it at all for coming warmer months, better act now. The season is short and cruises fill up fast.

Cruising in Alaska is not a topic where I have a lot of experience; admittedly, I’ve only done it once. But, I thought it would be worth devoting a posting or two to sharing what we learned to help if you’re planning one.

Which Cruise Line?

The biggest decision we were faced with once we committed to abandoning our therapeutic Caribbean trip for the more exciting Alaska one was: which cruise line?

We decided to go with Princess, which was reputed to be the reigning cruise line in Alaska. One key reason is that the cruise line has been doing it for a long time. And while we didn’t take advantage, Princess has a number of wilderness lodges and cruise-tours that allow you to see more of the state. Holland America is the other cruise line that is particularly strong in Alaska, with many of its own cruise-tour offerings.

Tracy Arm or Glacier Bay?

Glacier Bay at Memorial Day

The next major decision was, Tracy Arm or Glacier Bay? We spent weeks researching these two itinerary choices and in the end, it was a cruiser’s comment in Cruise Critic that nailed it for me. He had said something to the effect of “I’ve been to Glacier Bay and now I can die happy.”



Glacier Bay's blue-ice glacier

Now while that’s rather dramatic, I believe we made the right choice. It provided unparalleled scenery that’s given me a new perspective on our 49^th state. Another reason to consider Princess: it’s one of the few cruise lines with coveted permission to travel through the spectacular park.
 

When to Go?
The books and travel agents told us:

Spring—if you want less rain and clearer view of the mountains
Summer—if you want more wildlife
Fall—if you want fewer crowds

My advice is to forget it all—go when you want. I say that because we chose spring and had rain or overcast skies for six out of seven days.

How to Get it All in One Suitcase?
We live in Florida, so when we Caribbean cruise, we just drive to Ft. Lauderdale. That means we can pack just about anything. It was a whole different ball game going to Alaska. The more we read about what to bring, the more we wondered, how the dickens do we get all that in one, 50-pound suitcase? Here are a few tips to tackle that what-do-I-pack dilemma:

·       Jeans at dinner. Really. Surprisingly, the Alaska cruise was more casual than the ones in the Caribbean and I was astounded to find folks showing up in the main dining room on casual nights in jeans (at least on Princess). After a few days, I joined them. If the cruise line didn’t like it, it didn’t let on

 

·       It’s what’s outside the ship that counts. Here’s another big difference between Alaska and Caribbean cruises: you’re in Alaska to see the scenery and wildlife. Invest in cameras, binoculars and comfortable clothing

·       Think simple, basic and warm. You can skip the bathing suit, cover-up and flip-flops. The suntan lotion and sun hats. All you need are jeans, shirts and a coat. A few nice outfits for formal nights and if you want to get out of those jeans once in a while. And that’s pretty much it

The Alaska cruise got us out of our comfort zone and I'll be forever pleased we did it. If you’re on the fence, I urge you to give it a try because it will be a unique, truly memorable experience. The scenery is otherworldly, the ports are Hollywood-cute and the shopping is a blast (salmon jerky, anyone?). But, just so you don’t get shocked—there’s a Del Sol and Diamond International in Juneau!

 

 

 

Cruising Through the Holidays

The holidays may, in some ways, feel like a strange time to be cruising. But those who do take a cruise get the treat of seeing the ships and ports in a way they wouldn’t at any other time of the year.

The ships take on a special glow, decked with new finery. Our Emerald Princess last week was covered bow to stern with garlands and ornament-laden trees. And then one day, the trees came to life with small bright-white lights. I did a double take when live poinsettias suddenly appeared out of nowhere in every nook and cranny, as if Santa had come down the smokestack just to bring us some pre-holiday fun.

Christmas in Bonaire

One of my strongest memories of the ports around the holidays was from our first visit to Saint Maarten. It was the quintessential Caribbean day: sunny with soothing warmth and skies the color of the sea. From the pier to the town, the tender was playing Christmas music, reggae-style. 

Each port has its own take on the holiday. It’s neat to see how they use the tropical foliage as a canvas to express their holiday spirit.

Speaking of spirits, I thought I’d end by sharing a few recipes for Caribbean Christmas goodies, which were posted last week outside the public library in Roseau, Dominica (tip: there’s free wi-fi and it’s only a few blocks from the pier). Here's a
link to one for Caribbean Christmas cake. And below is one for the local version of eggnog:

Chaudo or Chodo 

1 tablespoon brandy or rum

2 eggs
1 pint milk
4 tablespoons white sugar
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Peel of 1 green lime

 

Method

Beat eggs together with sugar and lime peel. In a saucepan, bring milk to the boil and pour over egg mixture, adding all other ingredients. Whisk until frothy. Serve hot or warm.
Enjoy!

 

Cruise Food: What Are Your Standouts?

Cruises and Food. Where to Begin?

There are few topics that generate more opinions than cruise food. Take the same ship, the same food, and one person will roast it and another will applaud it.

Since I’m solidly in the “some live to eat” part of that old quote, I’m going to be one of cruise food’s harsher critics.

In general, I find the food on the mass market ships pretty much the same. That is, occasionally great, sometimes good, but most of the time, merely edible. I admit that I’m extremely picky, so please take that into account!

So, from the perspective of a picky, finicky and moderately experimental eater, here’s my list of standouts—all free of charge—on Celebrity, Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean:

Celebrity

·       AquaSpa Café—This tiny café tucked away on Millennium- and Solstice-class ships does made-to-order salmon. After a steady diet of mass-produced food and steady over-eating, this is a real treat

·       Ice cream at lunch—Speaking of treats, with its colorful candy toppings and sauce choices,

The ice cream bar on Celebrity

Celebrity’s cafeteria ice cream bar helps make up for the less-than-exciting lunch offerings. Lines for ice cream can get long, though

·       Waffles at breakfast—The cafeteria also does small, Belgian-style waffles, but don’t take the ones piled high in the stainless steel warming bins; ask for them made to order

Princess

·       Pizza—Many feel that Princess has the best pizza at sea and I agree. Makes you want to eat nothing else

·       Late night noshing—From time to time, we’ve wandered up to the cafeteria at 9 or 10 p.m. for a cup of coffee and have been shocked to find some real specialty stuff. German salamis and hams, interesting cheeses, dried figs and apricots—it made us wonder what else we’ve missed

·       Popcorn, cookies and milk—Princess has a few extra touches like bags of popcorn for movie-goers “Under the Stars,” and cookies and milk for people-watchers in the Atrium

Holland America

·       The dates-mint-and-ginger man—He stands quietly and unobtrusively at the dining room exit, but frequent HAL cruisers know where to find him. The dates, mints and crystalized ginger provide a  sweet and spicy way to end the meal
 

HAL's signature dessert

·       Desserts—The four cruise lines usually have a few terrific desserts each trip, but my prize for the most memorable goes to HAL for the mousse tucked inside a white chocolate chef’s hat and the chocolate bomb, with its ice cream encased in a hard chocolate shell

·      Asian food—If you’ve bemoaned the disappearance of decent Chinese restaurants on land, you’ll enjoy the excellent stir fries in the Lido

Royal Caribbean

·      Main dining room lunch salad—I know it’s strange to highlight a salad, but until you check it out, you won’t understand. This is the mother of all salad bars. Just some of what it includes:  prosciutto, shrimp, arugula, brie. After one of these, you’ll feel like you had a full-course meal!

What are your standouts? Do share!