So who's been on a cruise ship? (lemmy.world)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by wjrii@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

44 comments fedilink hide all child comments

So I saw THIS Atlantic article linked on Bluesky and I found myself conflicted, nodding in agreement with almost everything the author wrote, yet simultaneously thinking he sounded exhausting and pretentious himself.

It made me think though, that while this absolutely jibes with everything I've thought after hearing from my acquaintances who have gone on them -- and from extrapolating based on my own understanding of their personalities -- I've never really asked "peers" what they think. Have you been? How was it? Why would you agree to be trapped inside a compacted hotel where you will literally die if you leave at the wrong time?

...also I didn't think I could post the link in !news@lemmy.world

EDIT:

After 44 comments, here's where we stand:

28 (including me) responding to the questions
21 have been, 7 (including me) have not.
Of the 21, 15 liked it, and 6 didn't (some answers were a bit ambivalent, so I made a judgment call)
Of the 7, 5 didn't think they'd like it and 2 implied they might in very specific circumstances. I guess technically I could make 3, but I don't really want to "camp" on a personal family history reenactment.

So, of those who have been, the vast majority saw value in it. The people who haven't been either know themselves or have some serious sour grapes; I choose to believe it's the former, for completely scientifically objective reasons.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] DeepThought42@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

LOL, thanks for that article link. Fun read.

I can't speak authoritatively regarding ocean cruises as I've only ever been on a river cruise. It was, from what I've come to understand, a very different experience. However, I have become acquainted with a number of regular ocean cruise goers and the authors comments regarding it being part cult and part pyramid scheme rings true in my mind. There's definitely an almost cult-like adoration of cruise ships and the cruising life-style. Those people plan their lives around their next cruise. The amount of time and money they spend on cruises can be... shocking.

The only other antidote I can give is my experience witnessing what happens when a cruise ship full of tourists let out at what was a few minutes before a relatively quiet historical destination. The place was an ancient coastal fortification (sorry, I won't give the precise name/location as I prefer to not give out too many details of my life/travels), and for a couple hours prior to the arrival of the cruise ship it was fairly quiet with only a smattering of other tourists there, allowing us to explore the ruins and mull over some of it's curious architectural features and generally speculate as to how it's inhabitants may have lived. Suddenly, we heard a cacophony of voices, many of them shouting. Soon, the entire place (it was a sizable, sprawling fortification) was practically overrun with cruise passengers who had apparently been dropped off like toddlers to a daycare by their weary mothers. Seemingly, being on a cruise entitles you to be as loud and obnoxious as possible. It was clear, that many weren't even aware of what this place was or it's historical significance based on the many stupid questions we heard blurted out at the top of their lungs. We tried to solder on, but eventually we were forced to retreat out of frustration and embarrassment (most of the cruise goers were clearly from North America just like us). Anyway, it was probably the event that most solidified the idea in my mind that I do not wish to ever take part in an ocean cruise. Despite this event taking place more than two decades ago, the thought of being around people like that nearly 24/7 to this day fills me with profound dread.

this post was submitted on 09 Apr 2024

52 points (98.1% liked)

Ask Lemmy

26350 readers

1505 users here now

A Fediverse community for open-ended, thought provoking questions

Rules: (interactive)

1) Be nice and; have fun

Doxxing, trolling, sealioning, racism, and toxicity are not welcomed in AskLemmy. Remember what your mother said: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. In addition, the site-wide Lemmy.world terms of service also apply here. Please familiarize yourself with them

2) All posts must end with a '?'

This is sort of like Jeopardy. Please phrase all post titles in the form of a proper question ending with ?

3) No spam

Please do not flood the community with nonsense. Actual suspected spammers will be banned on site. No astroturfing.

4) NSFW is okay, within reason

Just remember to tag posts with either a content warning or a [NSFW] tag. Overtly sexual posts are not allowed, please direct them to either !asklemmyafterdark@lemmy.world or !asklemmynsfw@lemmynsfw.com. NSFW comments should be restricted to posts tagged [NSFW].

5) This is not a support community.

It is not a place for 'how do I?', type questions. If you have any questions regarding the site itself or would like to report a community, please direct them to Lemmy.world Support or email info@lemmy.world. For other questions check our partnered communities list, or use the search function.

Reminder: The terms of service apply here too.