Frommer Watch: Death To The Cruise

cruiseship

In anticipation of the maiden voyages of the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas, two of the largest cruiseships ever built, Frommer’s setting the record straight on his view of cruises: they blow. Especially these two behemoths, whose seven-day “trips” spend half their time at sea, and the other half dumping there 5,000+ passengers at three, uniquely bland ports.

Art wonders in his blog, why even bother leaving the dock? Could not the same experience be had and much fuel saved by staying in port in Ft. Lauderdale?

So these are the farthest-removed imitations of a travel experience ever devised. The average passenger will perhaps decide to spend all seven days simply on the ship. And the question therefore arises (I’ve posed it several times before): why must the ships leave Fort Lauderdale? Why don’t they simply remain docked in Florida? Would any passenger know the difference?

The craziest part to me are those defending the idea of the cruise in the comments section under his post. It’s a mystery to me too Arthur.

My own reasons for disliking cruises, in no particular order: Mediocre food, cramped rooms, little to no exposure to other cultures, tourists, shuffleboard, Norwegian sailors, mirrored hallways, karaoke, itineraries, gift shops, buffets, low water pressure. The list could go on and on, don’t get me started.

posted by Matt Stabile on July 15, 2009 @ 9:50 am
2858Comments (10)Frommer+Watch%3A+Death+To+The+Cruise2009-07-15+13%3A50%3A05Matt+Stabile | Permalink

Tags: allure of the seas, arthur frommer, frommer, frommer watch, oasis of the seas

Good post… aren’t all cruises basically the same? ‘Uniquely bland ports’ hit the nail on the head. I went on a few different cruises when I was youngster, but now that I’m older, I feel they are next to sterile as far as traveling goes. On the other hand, they do serve their purpose, just not mine.

Jon — Wednesday, July 15, 2009 @ 7:05 pm

I can’t imagine a worse way to travel than a cruise.

Zach Everson — Thursday, July 16, 2009 @ 7:31 pm

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Sara — Monday, July 27, 2009 @ 3:52 am

i must say it all depends on what you want to do. i recently have gone on an alaskan and panama canal cruise and found those to be fantastic! you are correct tho about the living quarters being cramped, and the food has definitely gotten worse since i first started cruising. but then again it comes down to, what do you want in a vacation? $1200 and your food, room, fairly good but not great entertainment, a pool and a different place everyday or the same place day in and day out, no food, some type of entertainment that you have to pay for, and a hotel room. pretty much cost the same, sounds the same, just the difference is you arent in the same location everyday.

pete — Tuesday, November 10, 2009 @ 2:21 pm

Stupid ignorant comments,cruising is the best and have enjoyed every cruise(including the largest cruise ship in the world). Ports are enjoyable,if you don't enjoy yourselves that is because you are boring, Do yourselves all a favor,go to all-inclusives and drink all day,you'll probably enjoy that much more,leave the cruising to us who know how to enjoy ourselves.

Dan — Sunday, December 27, 2009 @ 5:45 pm

I agree with Dan.

Hey Jon,
Cruising when you were younger and cruising now is quite a difference. In the last 10 years ships have come along way. I was not excited when my wife planned our cruise and to tell you the truth was almost dreading it! Well, in the end I came away witha new respect for cruising and enjoyed it more than Maui and the Sandals (Jamaica and St. Lucia) resorts.

Rob — Wednesday, February 10, 2010 @ 11:00 pm

I generally agree with your conclusion that cruise vacations are deplorable, although I take exception to your list of reasons why you dislike cruises. Norwegian sailors, mirrored hallways and karaoke sound like elements of an awesome party to me! Hang out on W 4th St during the next NYC fleet week and you'll see what I mean…

Leslie — Sunday, February 28, 2010 @ 9:20 pm

I've been on 16 cruises and have never once seen a mirrored hallway or met a Norweigen sailor. I've enjoyed the food on all 16 of them and have traveled to some of the most unique places in the world. I'm 26 and have 2 more cruises booked for this year. As far as traveling with the family it is a great way to introdue other places to my children while not breaking the bank. I don't see the sense in visiting an all-inclusive unless your goal is to drink enough to justify paying that much money to go to a beach. While the rooms are small, the only thing I ever do in my room is sleep as there is so much offered on the ship there is no reason to be in your room! I started cruising when I was 10 and agree that cruising has gotten much better throughout the years, for a family of 4 you can't beat the amount of activities for everyone as well as the opportunity for education for my two young kids.

Amanda — Thursday, August 19, 2010 @ 6:20 pm

I think cruises are especially good for older people, who aren't as quick on their feet as young travelers, and thus require a more comfortable (albeit potentially sheltered) travel experience.

@alixbregman — Sunday, August 22, 2010 @ 9:43 pm

I say to Matt and the others out there that feel this way about cruising – DO US ALL A FAVOR AND DON"T BOOK ONE!!!!!! It leaves more room for those of us that love it and by the way I'm not old or boring!!!!!

Ann — Tuesday, August 31, 2010 @ 8:31 pm

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