Do you ever think of just vegging on the beach instead?

[suse]

I do love a good cruise, had one recently, but my mind keeps taking me to the beach. I never have enough beach time on a cruise. What do you think?

[GmaPajama]

We spent the first 35 years of our married life doing beach vacations. They were great then, but I'd never give up a cruise to do that now. Our only regret is not discovering cruising sooner. :)

[chees]

I LOVE cruising because I don't have to sit on a beach yet I get to enjoy all this wonderful water. And I can always find shade on the ship as I enjoy the view!

Tina

[mudscraper]

Yes indeed.
When it comes to the Caribbean we`ve been there so many times and have taken many tours. We`ve seen enough rainforests,waterfalls and local plantlife to last a lifetime. Hanging out on a beach or nearby hotel/beach or just walking around the dock/town area is our M.O. now.

Edit: I misread your post. I thought you meant the beach vs. shore excursions off the ship.


Rich

[Jemima]

No. I don't even take beach excursions on a cruise. Our favorite ports are cool to cold and usually historic.

[suse]

Yes indeed.
When it comes to the Caribbean we`ve been there so many times and have taken many tours. We`ve seen enough rainforests,waterfalls and local plantlife to last a lifetime. Hanging out on a beach or nearby hotel/beach or just walking around the dock/town area is our M.O. now.

Rich
I am so there. The beach. One of my best vacations recently was in Puerto Rico. Beach. Fine Hotel. That was it. Perfect. Lazybones me.:)
love,
Susie

[IRL_Joanie]

I'll let you know after the 22nd of February.

Joanie

[matondo]

We like to bring our own snorkle gear and hang at the beaches as well. Nothing like it.

[can'twaittogoagain]

I do love a good cruise, had one recently, but my mind keeps taking me to the beach. I never have enough beach time on a cruise. What do you think?

Interesting you should say that. We started cruising in 2002 and haven't had a land vacation since. We love cruising. However, when we returned in Oct after a 7 day Eastern Carib. (which wasn't long enough....but it was all we could manage due to work constraints....) I made the comment that it took until Wednesday just to begin to really relax and then it seemed we were packing for home.

It was a lovely cruise on NCL's Pearl (which we had experienced before) so there weren't any surprises, but: The first day of the cruise is rather hectic. The last day is hurry up, eat and get off the ship. Sea days are crowded on the pool deck.

I just wanted some time to veg out on the water with not much going on and I found myself remembering lazy days on a lovely beach with the sound of the tide, gulls, and pages being turned on whatever book was out. I spent time just sitting on our balcony, which was nice, but I longed to walk on the beach...looking for shells, etc.

Just about the time we think that our next getaway will be a beach vacation, we start thinking about driving here and there for food, or cooking!, and how we would miss some of the really great shows and music we enjoy. Then we price it out and can't begin to compete with the total value of a cruise. But I understand what you are saying, because I've been thinking the same thing. We would probably be happier if we booked at least a 9 day....

[crystal blue]

I love cruising, but also love my beach vacations. So every year I mix it up by doing a couple of each. Last year I did 3 cruises and two beach resort vacations. Great to have choices and the vacation time to explore the world. I work hard everyday so I can enjoy my 6 weeks of vacation each year.

[Cruisin'Lady]

We like to bring our own snorkle gear and hang at the beaches as well. Nothing like it.

Thats what we do...although we scope out which ports have the best snorkeling and which we wont bother with trying to find good snorkeling...those are the ones we go shopping or see the rainforest at.:D

[katmu]

I like to alternate the types of trips that I do between something slow and relaxing, like a beach vacation and something more cultural or adventure related. I've only done 1 cruise so far, but I'm thinking I will just work the cruises into my rotation.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Like GmaPajama, we spent our early years beaching it in Hawaii a couple times a year - got plenty of sun and sand back then. Now we like cruising better. Maybe it's an age thing although I do see a lot of folks our age going off to the beach on cruises.

Barbara

[Two@Sea]

It takes me all of 10 minutes to get to the beach any ol' day of the year. I have palm trees, and hibiscus, and orchids, and citrus (along with some oak and cypress) in the yard... yet we take Caribbean cruises because, bluntly, they are what we can afford.

So... I hereby transfer any beach time I would be alloted on my next cruise to those who really need it. I'll take a tour of beautiful old churches (bonus points for those with cemeteries attached!) instead.

Now, anybody want to trade me a few fall leaves for a baggie of sand?

[CruiserBruce]

My wife says (she is always correct, I know:D:D) I can immediately shift from Type AAA to Type Z anytime I am within smelling distance of the beach. I have come to agree with her. I have done the hustle and bustle of vacations touring a good portion of the world for many years.

Now, just vegging on the beach is easy and attractive. I even find vegging by the pool (on board, sea days)is pretty easy. I have even been known to take a safety nap or two by the pool :eek:. My wife is shocked.

And you had to ask this question during the coldest, wettest, darkest part of the year??? Even in Northern Calif, I long, no I crave, no, I am DYING to be on the beach- somewhere warm!!

[Eurodam-Noob-Couple]

Two@Sea: I had fall leaves for you a couple of months ago. How about a baggie of snow and ice instead?

:-P

[Krazy Kruizers]

Years ago we used to do lots of land vacations -- touring all over Europe, etc as well as the states and did a lot of beach trips.

The lure of the beach is just no there anymore.

Much prefer to explore new ports.

[CDRMark]

The only time I spend on a beach is while I am entering or exiting the water. And any time spent in the water is below the surface.
Sun and sand...ick.
Even Half Moon Cay, arguably one of the prettiest beaches on the planet, holds no allure. I now stay aboard.
Cheers
Mark

[travelmatron]

There are all kinds of trips for all kinds of reasons. We enjoy resorts in Mexico for pools, beaches and great service. We've been to Mauii enough that we rent a car to go to our favorite beaches and stay in a condo. Land tours, especially adventure travel, can be wonderful. Independent travel is fun to plan. And when we just want to have everything done for us, including the decision made as to where and when to eat, a cruise just can't be matched. I'd hate to give any of them up...but I think we can keep cruising the longest.

[Two@Sea]

Two@Sea: I had fall leaves for you a couple of months ago. How about a baggie of snow and ice instead?

:-P

Thanks for the "snow and ice" offer, but since those were the main reasons we moved here from the frigid north many moons ago, I will graciously decline. :)

[Sunshine91]

I love the beach - the sand, the water, the waves, the smell. All of it. We spent 10 years making an annual pilgrimmage for our vacation, as well as weekends whenever possible. Then, 5 years ago, we moved to w/in 20-30 minutes of 4 different beaches.

But because the nature of John's work has changed a bit, he's busier than ever in the summertime. And we live smack in the midst of the tourists we once were. :p So now we prefer the shoulder season for our local beaches. But every once in a while, there will be that 75F degree day in February or November. Those are the real treasures here in Delaware. We skip out early to go to the beach & just sit there watching the waves & sea birds (and I always take off my shoes to stick my toes in the ocean. I'm part fish :rolleyes:). And remind ourselves - that's why we moved here.

But then there's cruising. On a Caribbean voyage, we take our own snorkel gear to get on a boat & see the pretty fishies under that undescribably crystal blue water. Or my stash of trashy romance novels & his spy novels to catch up on our reading at incredibly romantic places like Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. A beach, a bar, the sun, pretty boats & diving birds bobbing in the bay - what else does one need that day?

Except that our last 2 cruises have been to cooler climes. Maybe we need to head south next? ;)

[fann1sh]

I *love* water: the sound...the smell...waves and the surf...storms and dead calm.

I hate sun: the heat....the sunburn....the way it makes my skin itch and dry out.

I'm a natural redhead, and the palest person you'll ever meet! So, while I love my cruises, I can't imagine spending a day at the beach - unless it's a shady air conditioned cabana at HMC. :)

[harrodsfan]

Sometimes.....you don't get seasick on a beach vacation..or find your itinerary
changed.

[suse]

I would dearly love to be on a warm beach right about now.:)

[our turn]

Very interesting topic. I love the ocean and can never get enough time there. We are fortunate to have a vacation home a couple hours drive in Ocean Isle, NC. We are about 25 steps from the beach and I love to spend every waking moment drinking in the sun, sand and sea breezes. But sitting there watching the ocean, I long to actually be out there on a ship. Somehow, the sunrises and sunsets are more beautiful and since I can never get enough of the beach, our shore excursions usually reflect that. For us, cruising is about the ship where we are pampered and the biggest descision we have to make is what to have for dinner or which entertainment we are in the mood for.

Kim

[LindaM]

Years ago we used to do lots of land vacations -- touring all over Europe, etc as well as the states and did a lot of beach trips.

The lure of the beach is just no there anymore.

Much prefer to explore new ports.

My feelings exactly!! We found that a 4 night beach trip was more than enough---then we would be ready to go home.

My number one reason for no beach vacations----skin cancer and wrinkles!! I just can't bring myself to lay in the sun all day, the way I used to. And, I used to REALLY love it!!!
Now I am paying the price.

Touring all over Europe has lost it's appeal. Way too exhausting. By the end of our last trip, I was so tired, I ended up leaving 2 pair of shoes in Italy--my brain was fried!!

Now I know why older people start going to Alaska instead of the Caribbean---I've become one of them!!

[madelinerose]

I do love a good cruise, had one recently, but my mind keeps taking me to the beach. I never have enough beach time on a cruise. What do you think?


If you mean instead of cruising, yes. We do more beach vacations than cruises by a long shot. ;)

[madelinerose]

I love the beach - the sand, the water, the waves, the smell. All of it. We spent 10 years making an annual pilgrimmage for our vacation, as well as weekends whenever possible. Then, 5 years ago, we moved to w/in 20-30 minutes of 4 different beaches.

But because the nature of John's work has changed a bit, he's busier than ever in the summertime. And we live smack in the midst of the tourists we once were. :p So now we prefer the shoulder season for our local beaches. But every once in a while, there will be that 75F degree day in February or November. Those are the real treasures here in Delaware. We skip out early to go to the beach & just sit there watching the waves & sea birds (and I always take off my shoes to stick my toes in the ocean. I'm part fish :rolleyes:). And remind ourselves - that's why we moved here.

But then there's cruising. On a Caribbean voyage, we take our own snorkel gear to get on a boat & see the pretty fishies under that undescribably crystal blue water. Or my stash of trashy romance novels & his spy novels to catch up on our reading at incredibly romantic places like Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. A beach, a bar, the sun, pretty boats & diving birds bobbing in the bay - what else does one need that day?

Except that our last 2 cruises have been to cooler climes. Maybe we need to head south next? ;)


Thanks for this. ;) We vacation in DE a lot and our 5-year plan includes a move from MD. We want to be closer to the ocean, although we're only 2.5-3 hrs away now, but DE, possibly Rehoboth or Lewes, is calling us.

We were there in late September and did some house hunting. If you have any advice, I'm all ears.

We were going to visit Rehoboth next week for 4-5 days, but it's just too darn cold right now. We'll be there in May, before Memorial Day. ;)

[kelmac]

I do love a good cruise, had one recently, but my mind keeps taking me to the beach. I never have enough beach time on a cruise. What do you think?

suse,

After 36 cruises and massive amounts of land travel, I think I've found a balance between cruising and other forms of travel. We too, love just that layed back beach time. In fact, in the past few years, I've picked up five time shares for almost nothing (ebay) and four of those are located on the ocean (one in Cabo, one in Puerto Vallarta, one in Hawaii and one at Myrtle Beach).
Three days ago we disembarked the Regatta, but won't have another cruise until next December. Of course, we will head to Cabo for Spring Break, Hawaii in June, and we are headed straight to Puerto Vallarta from Hawaii. We may be the first people to travel Lihue to Puerto Vallarta on the same airline ticket!:)

Enjoy!
Kel:D

[suse]

Thanks everyone for that information! I love hearing different opinions on this matter!!!! I'm totally torn on what to book right now since I need to book something. If I don't have something booked, it's very sad.