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Cruise ships seem pointless... #131442
05/31/2017 06:33 AM
05/31/2017 06:33 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 402
DavidinChelseaMA Offline OP
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DavidinChelseaMA  Offline OP
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While going through recent SXM youtube videos, I've come across some vids showing people on cruise ship vacations to the Caribbean, (SXM, in particular) and other locales. The whole thing seems sort of pointless. Why would somebody want to go to the Caribbean and spend a bunch of time on a floating mall?

Last edited by DavidinChelseaMA; 05/31/2017 06:36 AM.
SXM Sponsors
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131443
05/31/2017 06:41 AM
05/31/2017 06:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,631
Oyster Pond St. Martin
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soualigacapt Offline
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People enjoy cruise ship vacations just like some people enjoy timeshare vacations or luxury spa vacations, gambling junkets and any other type of vacation. Different strokes for different folks.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131444
05/31/2017 07:19 AM
05/31/2017 07:19 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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We used to enjoy cruises and that is how we found SXM. Obviously people do still enjoy them or there would not be new and bigger ships coming out on a regular basis. I have no desire to go on another cruise but that doesn't mean other people shouldn't enjoy them.

Kind of like different resorts, beaches, islands, not everyone has the same tastes and it is a good thing or life would be rather boring.


J.D.
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131445
05/31/2017 07:22 AM
05/31/2017 07:22 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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It's a great way to see different islands. We have been on 5 different cruises with St Maarten in the itinerary which made us want to stay. We loved it so much we came back for vacations for the last 19 years.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: SXMScubaman] #131446
05/31/2017 07:28 AM
05/31/2017 07:28 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 656
Maine
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Same here. We had St Maarten on our cruise itinerary 5 years ago, and have been back twice since, and we are coming back next year! We also stopped in St Thomas, but just loved SXM. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/titanic.gif" alt="" />



Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: SXMScubaman] #131447
05/31/2017 07:29 AM
05/31/2017 07:29 AM
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Posts: 151
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Sunflower Offline
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I love cruise ships as well. We have enjoyed seeing many of the Caribbean islands that we probably would never have seen otherwise. Yes, to each his own.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Sunflower] #131448
05/31/2017 08:38 AM
05/31/2017 08:38 AM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 720
Ottawa Canada
candu Online content
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After years in the military I do not like the idea of being on a schedule, particularly in the Caribbean. I will wait until I am too old and feeble before taking a cruise. Meanwhile I will do my own travel planning.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131449
05/31/2017 08:47 AM
05/31/2017 08:47 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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We have been on many cruises and have also been to SXM countless times. They each have much to offer.

We have discovered many places, some of which we would return to spend extended time and some where we wouldn't.

I guess the term, "to each, his own" is appropriate for this discussion.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Rick and Grace
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: candu] #131450
05/31/2017 09:42 AM
05/31/2017 09:42 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline
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As far as 'schedules', for the most part you can avoid them regardless. Eating on a specific schedule, at a specific table, with a specific group of folks, pretty much doesn't happen any more, unless you WANT it that way. That is one of the best things about modern cruising. For ME, personally, I hate that all the ships are so huge. We have over 30 cruises under our belt, loved all of them, and our love affair with SXM started on a cruise. It's a great way to check out several different places in a week. The next cruise we will take will be on a smaller, more upscale ship. Cruises definitely have their place.


Carol Hill
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131451
05/31/2017 09:53 AM
05/31/2017 09:53 AM
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Pointless? Not really......but not for everyone, for sure.

Quote
DavidinChelseaMA said:
While going through recent SXM youtube videos, I've come across some vids showing people on cruise ship vacations to the Caribbean, (SXM, in particular) and other locales. The whole thing seems sort of pointless. Why would somebody want to go to the Caribbean and spend a bunch of time on a floating mall?


I guess it's pretty much a matter of different strokes for different folks but they definitely do serve as as a valuable option for some of us under some specific conditions.

Many years ago, long before the building of the present day cruise terminal on SXM, we used to enjoy the occasional breakfast at a place called Pinocchio's on Front Street in P'berg and we would often see the cruiseship passengers as they were being tendered in to the Wathey pier. We had never cruised but seeing this we knew it was something that just didn't appeal to us.

About 20+ years later, we decided to return to Bermuda where we had honeymooned so many years before and after pricing it all out we decided it was far more economical to do a Bermuda cruise over a vacation there. We booked the cruise and had a good time - we had a great suite, excellent cruise companions, and all things in consideration, it was a good time but we decided once again cruising just wasn't our thing. So back to typical non-cruising vacations we went.

Fast forward another twenty years and we decided we wanted to return to Hawaii, but this time we opted for an interisland cruise as a huge portion of our trip since the first time around we had stayed on Oahu and done the historical tour only. Because we were celebrating a very significant anniversary, we booked an incredible trip allowing plenty of time on the island's on both ends of the cruise plus awesome cruise accommodations and first class round trip air. It was a wonderful trip in every way and we absolutely loved the cruise and all the different facets from the great food, to the incredible suite and it's huge balcony which we both loved, and not to forget our adorable butler.

But when all was said and done, this second cruise experience helped us reaffirm the fact we definitely are NOT among those who would enjoy cruise vacations on a regular basis.

They serve a great purpose if you are looking for an all-inclusive vacation and want to cover some major territory, or if you are looking for a good way to comfortably and inexpensively cover a lot of territory, or as in our case, an easier means to an end - that of seeing much of the Hawaiian Islands without wasting a lot time checking in to numerous hotels and airports. And truth to tell, being part of the older generation these days, it was a comfortable way to cover a lot of territory we really wanted to see.

But now that we've 'beentheredonethat' for two very specific cruises, if I never see another cruiseship in my life, i won't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

They definitely serve a purpose but personally speaking, I want to get there quickly and enjoy the 'being there' part without being a captive audience on a big floating mall. Friends are doing a twenty-five day repositioning cruise and asked us if we had any interest in it. All I could think of was, 'OMGoodness - TY but no TY' but please take lots of photos. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131452
05/31/2017 10:32 AM
05/31/2017 10:32 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
Snorkeller Online content
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Virginia
We also first "discovered" SXM on cruises. We have taken over 50 cruises and very much enjoy them - of course, we also enjoy land vacations - come to think of it, we enjoy anything that gets us out and about.

We started cruising with young daughters - taking a week cruise every year. We think that for a family vacation, cruises are great. Everybody can do their own thing - separately as desired during the day - but then come together for dinner and the evening. No endless discussions about where to go for dinner - maybe your family can avoid those, we seem to have trouble when there are lots of choices. And, those dang vegetarians who want every night to be Thai ....

We now have a family group of about 8 that cruises over the Christmas/New Year's holiday every year - again, we find that the structure is not a negative, but a plus for our group.

If it is just the two of us now, we do tend to think about a land vacation as opposed to a cruise. But, we have cruised enough that we know, and consider friends, some of crew on certain ships - and, when you cruise a lot you also get to know some regular repeat cruisers. I doubt that we ever will be people who stay on a cruise ship for months at a time, but for a relatively few people it is what they really enjoy and how they want to live a good part of their lives.

I think a significant part of it is simply how you feel about being on a ship out in the water - for whatever reason we find it relaxing and enjoyable just to be on a boat/ship. I do agree that this kind of feeling is somewhat diluted on the big ships of today - but as long as you can sit and look out over the water to the horizon, it still is pretty great.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Snorkeller] #131453
05/31/2017 10:37 AM
05/31/2017 10:37 AM
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Posts: 82,475
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Snorkeller--that is exactly what I don't enjoy about the megaships of today--the feeling of being out on the water is so diluted. I know I would personally never cruise again without a balcony -- UNLESS it's on a really small ship.


Carol Hill
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131454
05/31/2017 10:50 AM
05/31/2017 10:50 AM
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Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
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Cruising is a form of vacation enjoyed by many. It is absolutely relaxing and a way to see numerous islands and various other places throughout the world that most people would otherwise not travel to because of the cost and other things. I have cruised many times and loved each trip immensely. I did not find SXM on a cruise, but many have over the years. Cruising is the reason SXM has hundreds of annual visitors now each year who come to spend weeks on this island paradise.If for some reason cruise ships stopped coming to the island, SXM would suffer greatly!




Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Carol_Hill] #131455
05/31/2017 11:00 AM
05/31/2017 11:00 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
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Absolutely agree about need for balcony that looks out over water. I find the balconies that look into the interior of the ship (like on Oasis class) unbelievably ugly. I would rather pay less for an interior than get one of those.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Snorkeller] #131456
05/31/2017 11:27 AM
05/31/2017 11:27 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
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The Villages, FL
I find that cruising is one of the best values you can get for money. As a Florida resident I don't have to pay for airfare. We too have found SXM on a cruise and this year we have decided to spend a week on the island.



[Linked Image]
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: deputydog1157] #131457
05/31/2017 11:42 AM
05/31/2017 11:42 AM
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Posts: 1,881
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Bahston Offline
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Cruise ships, Timeshares, and All-Inclusives are all pointless, unless you happen to like Cruise Ships, Timeshares, or All-Inclusives. Different strokes...

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131458
05/31/2017 12:32 PM
05/31/2017 12:32 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
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thesimpsons Offline
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Northern California
We found St. Martin on a cruise in 1981.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: thesimpsons] #131459
05/31/2017 12:51 PM
05/31/2017 12:51 PM
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Posts: 66
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molldoll Offline
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When millions of people cruise each year there has to be something to that. Personally I have taken many cruises and have enjoyed them all. I love being waited on. I love seeing different places. A cruise is an easy vacation as you unpack once, no rental car involved and no big decision where to go for dinner. A cruise is well suited to someone my age (like Carol I do not like the big ships and I must have a balcony) and yes, a cruise to SXM years ago sold me on coming back each year for a couple of weeks.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: molldoll] #131460
05/31/2017 01:18 PM
05/31/2017 01:18 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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We have even thought about taking a weeks break from being on island and cruising for a week out of SXM and then returning to our timeshare for more weeks on island.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: SXMScubaman] #131461
05/31/2017 01:20 PM
05/31/2017 01:20 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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Wind star has some amazing looking trips out of the island!!!!

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131462
05/31/2017 01:43 PM
05/31/2017 01:43 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
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We are not cruise people but I can see the advantage of seeing a bit of many places that you normally might not see....but..the couple we rent our Paris apartment from (live in New Zealand) just spent two months in Paris and now are on the QE2 for 7 days ..England to NYC...with only ocean to look at for SEVEN DAYS...yes, the ship is an entertainment center but I would go whacky not being able to leave it for 7 days....and have only open sea to look at....

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: boucharda] #131463
05/31/2017 02:24 PM
05/31/2017 02:24 PM
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Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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Quote
boucharda said:
We are not cruise people but I can see the advantage of seeing a bit of many places that you normally might not see....but..the couple we rent our Paris apartment from (live in New Zealand) just spent two months in Paris and now are on the QE2 for 7 days ..England to NYC. yes, the ship is an entertainment center but I would go whacky not being able to leave it for 7 days....and have only open sea to look at....


As I said earlier, to each, his own......that's the part I find most relaxing. I could kick back on the balcony or in a lounge chair with my Kindle reading and staring out at the ocean for hours on end. Not a care in the World.


Rick and Grace
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: RICKnGRACE_LI_NY] #131464
05/31/2017 02:28 PM
05/31/2017 02:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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And I can do that on a beach too. I find the water has a calming affect/effect (I never know which one) on me whether I am on land or on a boat, either large like a cruise ship or small like a run about.


Rick and Grace
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: RICKnGRACE_LI_NY] #131465
05/31/2017 02:29 PM
05/31/2017 02:29 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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I get the "for hours" part...but...for SEVEN straight days????

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: RICKnGRACE_LI_NY] #131466
05/31/2017 02:38 PM
05/31/2017 02:38 PM
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Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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I agree. That's why I love Beachside Villas so much! I sit in my comfy chair in the shade and stare at the ocean or read my book, or nap, and I don't have a care in the world!


Carol Hill
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: RICKnGRACE_LI_NY] #131467
05/31/2017 02:40 PM
05/31/2017 02:40 PM
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Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
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Quote
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY said:
affect/effect (I never know which one)


Someone suggested to me once to equate the "e" in "result" with effect.


[Linked Image]
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Carol_Hill] #131468
05/31/2017 02:42 PM
05/31/2017 02:42 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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Yup...totally agree. Like a cruise ship view...minus the buffets <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: boucharda] #131469
05/31/2017 02:50 PM
05/31/2017 02:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,475
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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I personally don't need buffets these days anyway! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


Carol Hill
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Carol_Hill] #131470
05/31/2017 03:48 PM
05/31/2017 03:48 PM
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Originally found SXM on a cruise in 1999. Then booked SXM for our honeymoon in 2000. We've been going back to SXM and doing cruises ever since...probably over 60 cruises. Cruises are my favorite for nightlife. No driving, no cash needed, many different bars and dancing. When staying in SXM for 18 days this summer, we MAY go out 1 or 2 nights. Beach all day, dinner at villa, then bed....repeat.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131471
05/31/2017 04:36 PM
05/31/2017 04:36 PM
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Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
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Because we love cruising........

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: bonsie] #131472
05/31/2017 06:50 PM
05/31/2017 06:50 PM
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Posts: 334
Pittsburgh, PA
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I always thought I'd get into big cruise ships once my knees were too shot to get on and off a Windjammer Barefoot. Then they went under. Big sigh. But I just saw the Mandalay is sailing! That's the kind of cruise I like. Small, intimate... I have been on one big cruise- a 4 day mini trip-Nassau, Freeport... and it was nice, boozy, crowded and seemed sterile to me.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131473
05/31/2017 07:58 PM
05/31/2017 07:58 PM
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We have lots of friends who somehow think they will be confined and constricted by a cruise. The only thing constricting to us is getting back on the ship which we have been the last to step back on.

Having cruises on 1970's boats with 500 pax, we are amazed at how those with 2000 aren't packed at all. There is a lot of space and I think the balconies keep many back in "their place". We actually prefer inside cabins for several reasons. #1) price, we have gotten 12 day Med cruises from Venice to Barcelona for $500/ person twice. This allowed us to see Venice, Athens, Ephesus, Istanbul, Mykonos, Naples/Pompeii, Rome, Florence/Pisa, Monaco, and Barcelona and we only had to unpack once. 2) we like being up on deck with full unspoiled view of the horizon and the breeze. 3) sleep quality is awesome in total darkness. 4) we have had balconies, but we tend to spend more time in room with balcony........as for the mall.......it may loook like one but really it is usually a mid/high end jewelry shop, perfume shop, liquor store and gift shop. We rarely buy much on board except the same stuff we'd buy on Sxm. We usually buy expensive jewelry at home because as Warren Buffet says if you don't know Jewelry, know your jeweler.

As for food, we find it pretty good and definitely far above what you can get anywhere in the Caribbean except in Grand Case. But you don't have a bill to worry about and you can order every item on the menu if you want and it is gladly brought to you.

We have never had a bad cruise or a bad trip to SXM.........so I'll take either if someone is handing them out. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

PS, if you are into Club Orient, a Bare necessities cruise is an unbelievable escape. That "mall" doesn't require clothes.

I had a airline pilot describe his plane as the "tube of shame" which often from the inside it is just that. Unless it is a 747, then it is th "Cadillac of th sky"
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by PelicanPirate; 05/31/2017 08:16 PM.
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: PelicanPirate] #131474
06/01/2017 07:42 AM
06/01/2017 07:42 AM
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Posts: 17
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We were avid cruisers until we took a boat tour around Saint Martin while on a cruise. On that tour as we rushed to several places. We stopped for lunch at Grand Case. At that stop I had a truly enlightening moment- who in the heck are the lucky people who get to stay here. So from that point forward we have not and do not have any desire to cruise. We now just stay in Saint Martin as long as we can. Works by far the best for us- an yes I understand other prefer the other and that is ok. One other note- on our first stay trip to Saint Martin we went and spent a day at Friars- a bunch of buses from cruise ships unloaded- we had a great time with the travelers for the short time they were able to stay. The large group asked me as they were being herded back to the bus. How we were able to be so lucky to just stay.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131475
06/01/2017 05:37 PM
06/01/2017 05:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,628
Southern Maryland suburbs of D...
Bill_S Offline
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Cruise ship vacations are a wonderful way for a great many people to get out of their "safety zones" and begin to explore the rest of the world while remaining in a "safe" environment.

Our first cruise in 1997 allowed us to explore five islands in the Eastern Carribean in a hassel free, "safe" environment, and that trip started our lifetime love of St. Martin. By taking that trip, we became comfortable with and enthralled with SXM and have returned for 1-2 week vacations many time.

Please don't anyone fall into the mental trap that people who see things differently than you are (insert judgement). They are just people with differient viewpoints and entitled to their own decisions... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />


Bill
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Bill_S] #131476
06/01/2017 05:57 PM
06/01/2017 05:57 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 207
luvtotravel Offline
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luvtotravel  Offline
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Posts: 207
And here is another perspective. For people with food allergies, or autoimmune diseases, like celiac diseases, the food safety on a cruise is often easier to manage than eating at restaurants in various holiday destinations. So, they can get out and explore, but return to the ship for dinner and have to worry less, than perhaps looking for a restaurant that can handle , for example, gluten free without risk of cross contamination

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: Bill_S] #131477
06/01/2017 06:17 PM
06/01/2017 06:17 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Quote
Bill_S said:
Please don't anyone fall into the mental trap that people who see things differently than you are (insert judgement). They are just people with differient viewpoints and entitled to their own decisions... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />


Great point, Bill. We all have different likes and dislikes and in this case, as in so many others, there is no right or wrong. Enjoy your preferences and please, don't anyone feel as though you're being judged by the rest of us if we differ in opinions. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: pat] #131478
06/01/2017 07:43 PM
06/01/2017 07:43 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 308
Woodland Pk N J
madg1108 Offline
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madg1108  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 308
Woodland Pk N J
I love cruising....remember when on a cruise all the traveling between islands is done at night while you are asleep and you wake up in a different port and island in the morning then if you want....you can tour the island and explore or just lounge around the pool,there will be less people on board and you can really relax and enjoy !!!!!

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: madg1108] #131479
06/01/2017 09:17 PM
06/01/2017 09:17 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
We love all vacations, cruises, AI's, and land based trips.

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: SXMScubaman] #131480
06/01/2017 09:33 PM
06/01/2017 09:33 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
Quote
SXMScubaman said:
We have even thought about taking a weeks break from being on island and cruising for a week out of SXM and then returning to our timeshare for more weeks on island.



I'm not certain, but I don't believe SXM has a port authority at the dock. Are you allowed to board in mid cruise in SXM?

Re: Cruise ships seem pointless... [Re: DavidinChelseaMA] #131481
06/01/2017 09:49 PM
06/01/2017 09:49 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 286
Limerick,Pa.now Clermont, FL
ronandcarla Offline
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ronandcarla  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 286
Limerick,Pa.now Clermont, FL
For us by way of a cruise years ago was how we discovered SXM and thereafter we would take a family cruise vacation and then a separate for us SXM vacation and what wonderful times we had on each trip and now that we are living in central Florida and older it's so much more convenient and safer to travel by cruise ship; and for us the larger Oasis class is so much more better for all of the amenities they have to offer.

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