I started writing this blog a few days ago by talking about destinations but half way through I decided to change the format. The reason being, I have been seeing so many wonderful historic sites that even I am beginning to feel jaded and think, oh, yet another cathedral/castle/ancient ruin etc. I have enjoyed them all but there is a limit to how much you can take in day after day! A sea day came as a break. If that is the effect on me I think it could be much worse for readers. Plus I thought some people might like more information about the cruise experience, particularly for a lone traveller so I will start there and then go through the destinations and if boredom sets in you can stop reading.
Jim & I had always said we would not cruise fanatics, until we tried it. Then we changed our minds with caveats. For us the most important aspect of the cruise was the itinerary, a chance to reach places like Alaska and Antarctica that are less accessible to the independent traveller. The smaller the ship, the better. So
how did I end up on Regal Princess, a ship with the capacity for over 3,000 passengers! It was of an itinerary which would take me to a number of places I had missed but wanted to visit on one trip, at a price that was amazing for a sole traveller, and included all the extras, a drinks package ( up to 15 drinks a day included, for drinks costing a maximum of $15, more than even I could consume!), gratuities, and wifi, but I have to say the WiFi is a touch ‘wobbly.
The number of passengers was something I could cope with as most days I would be going ashore. In fact, the first week the ship was probably only half full and very pleasant. The second week must be school holidays as the number of families shot up as well as the total number of passengers. The queuing time increased correspondingly but by choosing the time to eat and drink it is manageable. I certainly wouldnt do it just to cruise, it is only the destinations that make it worthwhile for me.
I am going to give a run down of the pros and cons of cruising which is purely my personal view, as I am sure lots of people would disagree with I had a good sized cabin ( very like a motorhome but without the need to cook!), with beds, a steward who takes care of the cabin twice a day & keeps the room topped up with masks in addition to everything else needed. I am seeing 11 destinations in 5 different countries without the need to pack or unpack. The food is excellent and available round the clock in multiple outlets from fast food to a la carte restaurants. I always eat dinner in one of those as it is portion controlled so limits my greed! Having said that there is nothing to stop you ordering multiple courses such as two starters, two main courses and three deserts, or you like, and many people do! I choose to dine alone but the tables are close so most evenings I end up chatting to people and have had some really entertaining conversations.
time as you wish. There are numerous bars, a theatre, meeting venues, sports facilities, beauty salon & spa and pools. Events are organised throughout the day, but if they dont appeal to you, you wont even notice they are happening. So for example, these are just a few, Knitters and Knatters Get Together, Veteran & Military Personnel Get Together, Paper Plane Competition, Quizzes, Shuffleboard Tournament, Ladies Pamper Party (?), Bible Reading etc. The list is endless and ever changing. Then of course there is a show in the theatre presented twice every evening, live music in various venues throughout the day covering most genres and as you would expect, lectures about destinations. Sometimes there is so much I want to do I cant fit it all in but then the lectures and some other events are recorded and available on your TV so you can catch up.
Princess Line uses Medallions. These are so close to ‘Big Brother it is worrying. You wear them around your neck or you can purchased an upgraded version which looks like a watch.
