Just got back from our first ever cruise

[ebikeerwidnes]

Is that a bit like the "I didn't inhale" defence.

There is an answer begging to be the reply to that but I would probably get banned or something!!!

 

[T4tomo]

It's certainly true that some destinations are a victim of their own success and are effectively ruined by too much tourism, but that isn't just down to cruise travel. At the end of the day it's down to each individual country to decide on what incentives and deterrents to travellers they want to use. I'd be interested to hear what sort of tourism and holiday you approve of. We all have choices after all. Don't moan about the traffic when you are the traffic and all that.

I'm not saying you shouldn't go on a cruise, if that floats your boat, I'm just saying I'll spend my holiday money in a different way, generally avoiding places that are overrun with cruise ship sheep. Its a big world after all, full of interesting a beautiful places, most of which far from the madding crowd.

 

[a.twiddler]

I'm not saying you shouldn't go on a cruise, if that floats your boat, I'm just saying I'll spend my holiday money in a different way, generally avoiding places that are overrun with cruise ship sheep. Its a big world after all, full of interesting a beautiful places, most of which far from the madding crowd.

As one who generally thinks that Hell is other people, I was inclined to that way of thinking, before I had that experience. Wherever you go you will come across some who are unaware and uncaring, but to lump together everyone who sets foot on a cruise ship as "sheep" is rather harsh.
Wherever you go, you take yourself and your predjudices with you. It is good to get outside your social media bubble, and experience other things. It is a big world, and due to varying political and economic circumstances, the places you can go to and see change over the decades. It's still the case that whatever the government policy of a country happens to be, ordinary people generally are hospitable and friendly, particularly if you can get outside the tourist areas.

As an example, many European countries which border on the Mediterranean have difficulties dealing with a massive influx of refugees in the last decade or so, and it may be a revelation to some on a cruise to these places to be reminded of the suffering of their fellow man while enjoying the relative privileges on board ship, rather than seeing it as something remote on the news. An uncomfortable juxtaposition for many, but thought provoking. Seeing how other people live and cope with their local conditions can only be a good thing. It's not all sunloungers and organised activities. You also meet people of all nationalities on board ship, and some of those conversations can be interesting.

Of course, the big world also contains many other positive and mind expanding experiences, which if you have an open mind, you will experience equally well on a cruise or on a remote trail in the middle of Wales where your only company might be an actual sheep.