Question Re: Walking the Promenade

[JoeMGiants]

:)Curious question to veteran cruisers : My wife and I took our very first cruise on Noordam recently. We took a liesurly walk around the promenade deck. While walking, we were warmly greeted with a smile and a "Hi" by just about everyone we passed. However, when we completed our walk I noticed that while we were walking clockwise; everyone else seemed to be walking counter clockwise. Did we commit a "faux pas" ? Is there a protocol to walk in a certan direction?
Thanks,
"Wrong Way Joe" ??? :rolleyes:

[garydm]

I think there must be. On every trip we have been on walkers were headed counter clockwise in most cases, so like sheep, we just got with the program.

Gary

[mrsltg]

I think people just generally head to the right for just about everything. Assuming your facing the bow, you'll start starboard and work your way port. I know I did. There is actually some kind of psychology to it. One of the big "secrets" at WDW and other theme parks is to head left first thing because everyone else goes right.

[Druke I]

I don't know this for fact, but am told that most North Americans walk counterclockwise because that is how horses race at the track, and how we run at track and field events.

Baseball players also round the bases counterclockwise.

Down Under, in Australia, the horse races are run clockwise, I'm told.

[MrsMuir]

The "On Deck for the Cure" walks that we've done are always counter-clockwise. I think being left-handed makes me turn left more than right, and counter-clockwise is just more natural to moi. Thanks for an interesting question, JoeMGiants, and welcome to Cruise Critic and the HAL Board.

Mrs Muir

[COLLEYBERRY]

Maybe everyone you passed was thinking the same thing :D (are we going in the wrong direction??)

The promenade is wonderful in either direction. The smile on your fellow passengers faces means it doesn't matter ,"one way or the other":)

[Krazy Kruizers]

There is no reason why you can't walk the promenade in any direction your choose.

But -- you will find the majority of the people to walk counter-clockwise.

Enjoy your walks no matter which way you choose to go.

[English_in_Spain]

I love walking the opposite way to everyone else. We started this many years ago. It is great fun and you see lots more people.

Don't be a shhep, do your own thing. Walk the wrong way :D

[skankycat]

I love walking the opposite way to everyone else. We started this many years ago. It is great fun and you see lots more people.

Don't be a shhep, do your own thing. Walk the wrong way :D


Pity the poor shhep.

[RetiredMustang]

Yes, people mostly walk the deck counter-clockwise. I don't know of course, but it may be because running events at track meets do so, and most people got used to doing it that way.

If you are only taking the air and watching the sea -- that is, only going for a short distance -- I'd say go with whatever suits your fancy. If you are walking several "laps" around the deck and if the deck is not crowded, I think it also really doesn't matter much. But if there are a lot of people out, walking against the traffic so to speak would mean you would do a lot of encountering other walkers, while if you went with the flow, it seems to be that it would be easier, as you would only pass slower walkers (and be passed by faster ones. :D)

Dave

[Cruising-along]

I love walking the opposite way to everyone else. We started this many years ago. It is great fun and you see lots more people.

Don't be a shhep, do your own thing. Walk the wrong way :D

Just so you watch out coming 'round the corners, you could be doing more than just "seeing" lots of people. :eek:

We like counter-clockwise too, just easier to go with the flow, plus it seems more natural to us. Don't run into as many folks that way either. :cool:

[Xoe]

so if the deck is very busy I will go "against the flow" to make it easier to keep my preferred pace without needing to squeeze by slow-strolling groups. Also, if there is a strong chilly wind, I'll switch direction occasionally so as to avoid walking into the wind too much of the time.

Although the custom seems to walk counter-clockwise, I think it's a free choice, and I too find it more interesting to see people who are approaching rather than stride towards their backs.

[sail7seas]

Most of our cruises, we walk Promenade very often and always go in counter-clockwise direction.

[wander]

I really don't care which way folks walk, but it does make it easier in my opinion if there is general agreement as to the direction, particularly when it is somewhat crowded. Therefore, I stick with the counter-clockwise direction.

Xoe - don't you have to squeeze by groups, regardless of their speed or direction?

[PatsyAnne]

I go the direction that makes the most sense to me at the time, and change if that doesn't work. Something to do with direction of the sun, direction of the wind, temperature, chance of seeing whales... you get the idea. I think just as long as you are thoughtful to the other walkers, you're going the right way.

Trish

[SilvertoGold]

We walk the deck a lot and find most people do walk counterclockwise, or "with the flow".
We think most people see it as being polite and having consideration for the other people you are sharing the deck with.
As has been noted, walking "against the traffic" can put you on a collision course with the other people walking the deck when rounding the corners or when navigating past the end of the deck lounge chairs.

One other thing to mention: if people walking would keep to the right side, and not walk smack in the middle of the deck, it would be a lot easier for the faster walkers to pass on the left. Another easy-to-do bit of politeness that can make everyone's cruise a little nicer.

SilvertoGold

[sailorboy05]

From my old Navy days, the shipbooard traffic rule was: Forward and up to starboard, down and aft to port. That equates to counter-clockwise.

[mamaofami]

Almost everyone walks counter clockwise. I don't know why, but it just seems to be that way.

[COLLEYBERRY]

I didn't notice anyone with white gloves and a whistle:) Traffic never seemed to be a problem. Keeping the wind at your back makes the most sense (for half the stroll anyway;))

[tjcox9]

As I recall, on the Dawn Princess (haven't seen it on other Princess ships but most don't have the full walk around), it was posted to walk counter-clockwise. Of course, that did not mean that all did!! :rolleyes: So, I've adopted tha practice since it may be the maritime norm or whatever.

[djhsolara]

I think people just generally head to the right for just about everything. Assuming your facing the bow, you'll start starboard and work your way port.


This confuses me very much, because unless I'm totally missing it here, if you go out any door on the promenade and go right wouldn't you be going clockwise?

Doesn't really matter...but I do believe that we go clockwise when we walk. It doe seem like there are many others going the other way, but I never really gave it any thought. :) :)

[SarasMommy]

Depends if you are north or south of the equator. ;)

[DizzyDallasDi]

This post really made me think. Gee, I don't know why but I always walk in a counterclockwise direction no matter which side of the ship I exit from. I liked reading all the theories as to why we tend to do this. Maybe I'll try to force myself to go the other way on my next cruise. If I experience any dizziness, I'll turn around. Could be an interesting experiment.

Diane

[tomc]

I always walk in a counterclockwise direction. That's going to be ancient history for people who grow up with digital clocks, or people like me who depend on sundials.

[bethaniesmom]

it seems we go counter clockwise too....sometimes! depends on if we are headed somewhere in particular! mostly i like to just go out....and stand at the rail! i could watch the ocean forever!

Beverly

[Himself]

Over the past 13 years I have walked the Promenade Deck on many ships and I always walk counter clock wise but not every one does this. I have seen many people walking clockwise. I never even thought of it until you mentioned it. Do what is comfortable.

[serendipity1499]

I think people just generally head to the right for just about everything. Assuming your facing the bow, you'll start starboard and work your way port. I know I did. There is actually some kind of psychology to it. One of the big "secrets" at WDW and other theme parks is to head left first thing because everyone else goes right.

djhsolara said your post was confusing & it confuses me too..If you go right then you are going clockwise, if you go left you are going counter-clockwise..Also which side of the ship we're on does not make a differendce..We always go counter-clockwise..

This confuses me very much, because unless I'm totally missing it here, if you go out any door on the promenade and go right wouldn't you be going clockwise?

Doesn't really matter...but I do believe that we go clockwise when we walk. It doe seem like there are many others going the other way, but I never really gave it any thought. :) :)

tjcox mentioned he's seen it posted on other ships..On either several HAL or NCL ships I've seen small directional arrows (on the bulkhead) which specifically point to counter clockwise for walkers....If I'm not mistaken there also have been signs posted.. As another poster mentioned, all ship sponsored walks always go counter clockwise..

Cheers...:)Betty

[sail7seas]

You're right. All HAL sponsored walks (On Deck for the Cure) always go counter-clockwise.

[donh1]

so if the deck is very busy I will go "against the flow" to make it easier to keep my preferred pace without needing to squeeze by slow-strolling groups. Also, if there is a strong chilly wind, I'll switch direction occasionally so as to avoid walking into the wind too much of the time.

Although the custom seems to walk counter-clockwise, I think it's a free choice, and I too find it more interesting to see people who are approaching rather than stride towards their backs. As a person who has done hundreds or more laps around the deck I say go with the traffic. These individuals who go against the traffic are smucks. Following their logic who says you have to walk on the right. How about walking on the left. Lots of the ports of call traffic drives on the left side of the road so why not on the ship. I used the term smuck because that's what happens when people are walking two abreast and meet someone on a corner who happens to be walking the wrong way.
I realize that I am simply venting because anyone who chooses to continue to walk the wrongway certainly will not listen to reason.

[waiting2retire]

I have a theory... :rolleyes:

I believe it is natural to walk close to the railing of the promenade to avoid the deck chairs, people opening doors, etc, and to get the best view. We North Americans are used to driving on the right hand side of the road with oncoming traffic going by on our left side.

Since we tend to walk close to the railing, it is natural to keep the railing to our immediate right so that oncoming "traffic" is on our left. Also, faster walkers will pass on the left, exactly as we drive. This results in a counter-clockwise route. If we were to walk clockwise, this would put the railing on our left side, with oncoming traffic on our right... not the natural order of things at all.

I wonder if Brits walk clockwise on the promenade deck???

Bonnie

[ore-ee-gun]

Hmmm, I never even thought about which direction I walk. I haven't encountered so much "traffic" that made it noticeable that there was a particular direction to flow in. :) Though now that I do think about it, counterclock-wise makes sense. All race tracks seem to run that direction.

[Snafflebit]

I jog on deck clockwise, as that was the direction traffic was headed on my first RCCL cruise years ago. Most of the walking traffic was counter-clockwise on my recent Zuiderdam cruise. I thought it might be a HAL preference. But it worked out well as oncoming walkers could see me and we could give way to each other. I jog slowly, alomost in place, around blind corners so there are no collisions. Pet peeve are the groups who walk 3 and 4 abreast and will not allow anyone behind or oncoming to get by.

[Hope to Cruise]

I switched from clockwise to counter clockwise when told by a fellow walker that she had seen a collision, walker and jogger, which resulted in the walker seriously injured. This was on the Oosterdam which allows jogging on the promenade. Would be less likely on the smaller ships which do not allow jogging on that deck. But still safer to all be going the same direction.

Not all joggers would be so careful as Snafflebit at the corners. And some jog on the Zaandam deck, right above my room. At 6:00 am. Sigh.

[amster65]

It depends which country you are from, the Brits go clockwise and Americans go counter clockwise.:confused:

[serendipity1499]

I have a theory... :rolleyes:

I believe it is natural to walk close to the railing of the promenade to avoid the deck chairs, people opening doors, etc, and to get the best view. We North Americans are used to driving on the right hand side of the road with oncoming traffic going by on our left side.

Since we tend to walk close to the railing, it is natural to keep the railing to our immediate right so that oncoming "traffic" is on our left. Also, faster walkers will pass on the left, exactly as we drive. This results in a counter-clockwise route. If we were to walk clockwise, this would put the railing on our left side, with oncoming traffic on our right... not the natural order of things at all.

I wonder if Brits walk clockwise on the promenade deck???

Bonnie

It depends which country you are from, the Brits go clockwise and Americans go counter clockwise.:confused:

Not only the American's keep to the right, but so do most European Countries with the exception of the British, Their colonies & former British Colonies..

However the Canadians also keep to the right..

HAL Ships are registered in Holland, they also walk & drive to the right..

Betty

[Xoe]

Being categorized as a "smuck" isn't the best way to start a visit to the boards! If the ship or line deemed this important, the decks would be posted with directional signs; not being posted gives passengers a choice.

I think if one is considerate of others and aware of what may be around the corner, either way can work. Many of HAL's ships' promenade decks are posted "no jogging" so collisions shouldn't be a problem. As far as passing a slow-moving group, it's easier when coming towards them because they are then aware and will give way a bit; if coming up behind, often a slow-moving group will be chatting and unaware of any reason to move to one side.

Most often, I too stay to the right going counter-clockwise, but sometimes find a nice variety in reverse for a while -- different views, rather like when on a hiking trail, the views one way are quite different from the views returning.

[Cruising-along]

Xoe, I don't think you're a "smuck". :) I understand what you're saying about it being easier to pass slow-moving groups if you're coming towards them.....but it's the blind corners I'm concerned about.

Like you, we also like to walk fast, and we walk several miles twice/day on each cruise. So we've seen quite a few near-collisions when coming around the blind corners because of people who also are walking fast, but against the "flow". You can be as careful as you want, but it does happen.

JMO :)

[SeaMatesNYC]

Down Under, in Australia, the horse races are run clockwise, I'm told.

And upside down, too. Rather rough on the jockeys.:D

[pipedreams62]

http://pipedreams62.eaph2.com/share/afunstuffjuly/ddwalk.jpg

[COLLEYBERRY]

Xoe you are so not a" smuck", ..perhaps we should wear horns around our neck( ala Harpo Marx)... 'beep beep' as we approach a corner:D

[suse]

What is a smuck. Schmuck? What is it?
I'm a lefty too so I never know how to do anything.....I just follow the leader. I like to walk fast so as not to be smucky. What is that.

[jcrandle]

That's going to be ancient history for people who grow up with digital clocks, or people like me who depend on sundials.

Sundials were wonderful when I was young and dating, because I would hold up my flashlight at the right angle and say "see, it's not time to go home yet!":D

[AussieT]

I'm an Aussie sailing on the Noordam in September, and I don't have any preference either way of walking on the promenade deck. I will find it difficult though to walk on the right as we tend to walk on the left as well as drive on the left. Who knows, I might just bump into someone interesting!
And not all our race tracks run the same way. Melbourne races are run counterclockwise, Sydney clockwise, and our jockeys usually stay in the saddle, even if they are racing upside down.

[donh1]

so if the deck is very busy I will go "against the flow" to make it easier to keep my preferred pace without needing to squeeze by slow-strolling groups. Also, if there is a strong chilly wind, I'll switch direction occasionally so as to avoid walking into the wind too much of the time.

Although the custom seems to walk counter-clockwise, I think it's a free choice, and I too find it more interesting to see people who are approaching rather than stride towards their backs.

As you see I have quoted Xoe again and again the title did not come up. "I like to walk fairly fast" Absolutely those who are walking fast doing laps should go with the flow. If it's someone out for a stroll then who cares. Someone out power walking and repeatedly putting others at risk on the corners needs to reconsider. I regret using the term "Smuck". The term detracted from my original point. It just makes sense to me to have those persons who are walking fast all to be going in the same direction. Again I regret using that term.

[docksider21]

What is a smuck. Schmuck? What is it?
I'm a lefty too so I never know how to do anything.....I just follow the leader. I like to walk fast so as not to be smucky. What is that.


Schmuck is a variant of shmuck, which is
derived from Yiddish shmok.

With that, you should be able to look it up.

[Xoe]

we get the idea!

Regardless which direction I'm going and at what speed, I'm cautious at corners; I slow and look around the corner, then proceed.

I walk fairly fast but am not a "power walker". Strolling is uncomfortable for me however.

Amazing how much attention this topic gets, especially because the percentage of passengers who walk laps is likely not very large. It seems that those of us who do so place a high value on our experience.

On my "wish list" for this topic would be that groups strolling together maintain awareness and allow exercising walkers to pass. This is similar to what is expected of bicyclists, who may be riding 2-3 abreast but then form a single line when a vehicle or other bicyclists need to pass. Maybe we deck-walkers need the equivalent of a bicycle bell, or a standard phrase such as "passing on your left" to alert those we are approaching.

[Spinner2]

As I round the corners I stick a hand out in front of me (gently--not like I'm going to punch somebody in the nose!) so that anyone coming around the corner knows that there's someone on the path they're about to walk on. No matter where on the deck you're walking--to the right, to the left, center, somebody may be there as you round the corner; best to announce yourself.

Beats singing or something--at least with my voice. :D

[PhylHarv]

I can't remember which ship showed this (possibly the Rotterdam), but I'm sure they had arrows pointing in the counterclockwise direction for walkers.

[Big Al B.]

I generally am on the promenade for a stroll so my pace is slow. I will stop to look out over the rail a bit and then continue. I have found that by going the "wrong way" I can see those coming, especially the ones who are obviously exercising and can easily move out of the way. Unfortunately I have almost been run over several times by the speedsters when walking the "right way" :D. My way works for me and I am extra careful at the corners. Maybe I should carry one of those air horns to beep each time I get to the corner. That would be great fun :D:eek:

[RVNFUN2]

We will be on the Panama Canal 10 day. Does anyone know what is the distance around the promenade on the Zuider. We have a 5K walk/run in January and want to stay in shape. Plus we need to take off all the extras with eating great food.
Thanks
Kathy

[sail7seas]

we get the idea!

Regardless which direction I'm going and at what speed, I'm cautious at corners; I slow and look around the corner, then proceed.

I walk fairly fast but am not a "power walker". Strolling is uncomfortable for me however.

Amazing how much attention this topic gets, especially because the percentage of passengers who walk laps is likely not very large. It seems that those of us who do so place a high value on our experience.
. <snip>




You may be very surprised to find there are many of us who walk laps on HAL regularly. For lots of HAL loyal cruisers, the wrap around Promenade is a huge feature they love on the ships.

DH and I almost always walk many miles of laps around whichever 'dam' ship we are sailing...... :o though must admit we were too lax on our recent Maasdam cruise. ;)


Same for the gym. If you want to use a treadmill or some of the machines, you may have to sign up and wait your turn depending upon time of day etc The gyms get lots of use on many cruises. :)

[bepsf]

I love walking the opposite way to everyone else. We started this many years ago. It is great fun and you see lots more people.

Don't be a shhep, do your own thing. Walk the wrong way :D

I agree - I always walk the wrong way...
...have met some of the cutest/most interesting people that way!
;)

[JoeMGiants]

We will be on the Panama Canal 10 day. Does anyone know what is the distance around the promenade on the Zuider. We have a 5K walk/run in January and want to stay in shape. Plus we need to take off all the extras with eating great food.
Thanks
Kathy

3 laps around the deck = one mile !

[RVNFUN2]

Thanks for the reply of 3 laps equal 1 mile. I guess we will be going around at least 15 times. I hope we do not get too dizzy:)

[sail7seas]

Thanks for the reply of 3 laps equal 1 mile. I guess we will be going around at least 15 times. I hope we do not get too dizzy:)


:D In addition to laps, keep in mind you can walk ashore in ports. You don't have to do all your walking 'round in circles'. ;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

I used to be able to walk several miles every day.

Now -- I can't.

On sea days we loved to walk the promenade.

[COLLEYBERRY]

:D In addition to laps, keep in mind you can walk ashore in ports. You don't have to do all your walking 'round in circles'. ;)


Oh Sail, how I wish I were walking round that "circle" right now.:)