Cruising - It's The Dogs

One of the things in life about which I am passionate is travelling.

For many years I was lucky enough to work in the travel industry and managed to visit a long list of amazing places. One of my favourite ways to travel is to cruise. In fact, have only recently returned from a Royal Caribbean trip to the Canary Islands, which was great.

Why do I like cruising? 

Well, I do like my food, so it's perfect for that. 

I like the idea of only having to unpack once and yet visit multiple destinations. I cannot say I benefit much from the on-board entertainment, as I tend to retire early (sea air and all that)  but others say this is a major reason to choose cruising. 

Diamond Princess tendered at Kona, HI

Diamond Princess Calypso pool

I really love to people-watch and sitting on the promenade deck, watching all kinds of fellow passengers from all walks of life pass by is a very satisfying way to pass the time. You get the old regular cruisers - built for comfort rather than speed - equipped with walkers and sticks (which are quickly discarded once the buffet opens) And then you get the young families who take full advantage of all the sporting facilities provided on the larger ships. Unfortunately there are plenty families only too keen to let their kids run wild. You wonder if they allow the kids to behave like this at home. They probably do. On my most recent sailing, the majority of cruisers were British - very different to the 90% American mix I am used to - and I have to say I prefer the Americans. For some reason, when I see Americans behaving badly, I can just laugh and thank my lucky stars they live right across the Pond. However, hearing a Liverpool woman at the pool scream out loud to her child "you're not having another f**king ice cream, so get your f**king a*se over here now" made me embarrassed to be British. Am I a snob? If that means I like people to behave in a mannerly and respectful way when in public then yes, I must be.

Diamond Princess PH category cabin

One of my favourite cruise lines is Princess. Here are some shots of the Diamond Princess, on which I sailed to Hawaii a few years back. If you can afford to get a balcony cabin on a cruise - go for it, you will not regret it. Nothing like waking up and going out onto the balcony to get your first glimpse of your new destination. 

I have travelled several times with Princess and with Royal Caribbean, and this September I am trying out NCL on the Norwegian Epic. I shall let you all know how that goes...