I really really don't want to go on a cruise....what am I missing???

[LynneSin]

4. I know how you feel - I can't understand the appeal of a cruise

It's like being forced to go on vacation with all these people who don't know and you have to adhere to their schedule.

My vacation attitude was formed when I was 16 years old. Our high school singing group had a trip to Mexico for a singing competition. Part of the time we spent in Mexico City and other part touring some of the nearby tourist attractions like the pyramids. Rooms were setup that 3 students would share a room with one chaperoned and I happened to be rooming with the 2 girls I'm friendly with and the one girl's mom.

In fact the girl who brought her mom, her dad came too. No siblings, she was an only child.

I never saw a family so uninterested in learning about the local culture of the country and so disrespectful to the people that live in the country. I was very shocked. Every restaurant they complained about the horrible food and every destination they talked about how miserable it was compared to what they like to do in the USA for vacations (Touring with their RV). Our bus made a stop along the roadside to some people who would allow us to hold their iguanas. Everyone wanted a chance to hold them but this family stayed on the bus and turn their backs to the people. When the kids were asking for 'chicalets' (gum), they made rude comments about how the kids were all beggars (I ended up giving the kids all of my stash of Hubba Bubba Gum).

It took alot for me to not yell at these parents because my parents taught me to be respectful of your elders. But honestly, afterwards I really didn't feel like hanging out with these 2 girls anymore (the other girl in our room ending up mimicking what this family did). I ended up hanging out with some other kids in the group and we had the time of our life doing all the fun things in Mexico including getting drunk on Mescal (whoopsie!).

After that I found that I gained a serious peeve towards package vacations and tour groups. I never wanted to take a trip where others controlled what I would do for fun and entertainment. Cruises to me seemed like giant ships filled with families who want to 'visit' other countries but not really experience them. I also prefer traveling to destinations that are not overrunned by American Tourists. I've been to Cancun and Acapulco and I loved Acapulco way more because there were less Americans and more tourists from all over the globe.

So I'm thinking you might have the same reaction towards group tours. I suppose if my family with all the nieces & nephews wanted to do a family cruise I would go for the sake of the family. But if I have to choose - forget about it.