Taking a cruise

Leisurely travel is at its best when taking a cruise. The hassle of packing and unpacking your luggage at every stop is avoided, unlike a land tour or the usual tour that needs air or land travel from one place to the next. Even for young people, the hectic pace can have its downside. My sons – in their early 20s when we toured Europe for almost a month – regretted the short time we had at certain exciting places or the “protracted” stay at other “boring” cities. Rising up very early for breakfast and going to bed late after a daylong trip, no matter how comfortable the coach or the train, can take a toll on one’s appreciation of the places and some attendant activities.

On the other hand, taking a cruise can be a most enjoyable experience. The first one I had was with my family to Alaska’s inner passages. I can still remember the surreal blue of floating ice blocks and the exotic names like Juneau and Ketchikan. My husband led the boys in kayaking and on a helicopter ride to the glacier, while I joined the cultural offerings, like museum visits and Inuit cultural presentations.

Another one I embarked on was a Mediterranean cruise in 2003 with a group of 20 Cebuanos, led by Marilou Ordonez of Delmar Travel & Tours. It was a fun-filled trip as we had two families, from grandparents to grandchildren along with a romantic couple. The little ones were our entertainers during the bus rides; they even managed to lead in the prayers. We became one laughing Cebuano family throughout the cruise, and even beyond. We are still in touch until now!

My first Caribbean cruise was with friends in the travel trade (organized by Northwest Airlines) and, you guessed it, we had a hilarious time as only travel agents know how to create FUN anywhere, anytime. When it was time for the costume ball, one can marvel at the creative resourcefulness of travel agents. They never say, no can do, but will come up with a surprise – comical or glamorous.

One immediate question may be, what to bring? Well, your wardrobe will of course be according to the season and the destinations. One daytime set and evening wear for each day of the cruise. Of course, swimwear is not to be forgotten, as the swimming pool onboard can be so irresistible. Then add two daytime sets and one evening wear for “emergencies.” And a lightweight hoodie for windy deck excursions. A shawl will be handy during the nightly shows or in the dance club.

There is always one formal dinner in every cruise and usually a night with a costume party. It is safe to bring semi-formal clothes for the dinners. Black and some bling-bling will get you by, but I suggest that you leave your expensive jewelry at home. Unlike in the past when the formal dinners sparkled with female diners bedecked with their resplendent fortunes, prudence is demanded in these straightened times.

An important tip: bring a small trolley bag with a medium size carry-on. Cruise liners require international standard small bags as the cabins are not spacious. Porters are also querulous about heavy bags, and they bring your luggage to your assigned cabin. After you check in at the wharf area, you will not see your luggage again until sailing time, in your cabin. So be sure to attach the given tag to your luggage with your name and cabin number.

I am fortunate to have grown up taking the boat as my late father worked in a shipping line. But if you are sensitive to motion, be sure to bring some medicines to alleviate this problem. There is always a day or two at sea, depending on the length of the cruise but there are many activities offered free onboard. In fact, these cruising days are ideal for bonding with travel mates, learning new things, reading, watching a movie in the ship’s theater, getting a spa treatment, or rediscovering yourself.

Happy cruising!