repositioning cruise questions

[selwind]

I am going on a ta in May on Princess emerald. I worry about the size of the ship and so many passengers (3000). At sea with nothing to do. I am sure the casino will be quiet because why pay out, the passengers are "stuck" for 5 days. Just want to know if others felt there were too many passengers to keep occupied. thanks

[mom says]

At sea with nothing to do???? There are usually a lot of things laid on by the activities staff. They will all be on your daily planner. It's your choice whether to take advantage of them.

[Pudgesmom]

Why did you book this cruise if sea days are unappealing?

[dogs4fun]

There are activities - cooking classes, exercise groups, jewelry making class (to name just a few that I remember from our last TA). Check you daily planner as it will list all the activities offered for each day.

Bring your kindle - your ship should also have a library where you can get books. Unfortunately, TV reception was the pits when in the middle of the Atlantic.

Don't have a clue about payouts in the casino.

[Langley Cruisers]

Why did you book this cruise if sea days are unappealing?

 

Agreed. Hmm.:o

 

OP, people handle sea days differently. I LOVE them, hubby not so much. I can sit and read and people-watch for hours; it's a lovely, stress-free way to spend my day. I go have a snack and change venues, do it all again. I love sitting out on a closed deck just watching the sea roll by (and have done that in all kinds of weather).

 

You need to find what works for you and not go into it with the attitude of "being stuck at sea". That is surely the first strike against you right there. Loosen up, be prepared for what may or may not come your way, RELAX...... you just might find you enjoy it.

 

Having said that, if you KNOW it is going to be agonizing for you, I would suggest cancelling and re-booking another itinerary. Looks like you are eleven months out and final payment is not due yet.

.

[Hlitner]

The OP does sound like somebody who might prefer being anywhere but on a cruise ship. DW and I could happily spend 200 days a year at sea, but we have seen some folks who truly dislike being on ships...especially on sea days. For them its best to look elsewhere.

 

Hank

[CruiserBruce]

I also wonder why the OP signed up for the cruise.

 

And it is the Emerald Princess...

[hallasm]

I still remember my first cruise where I did choose a cruise with ports stops every day - after the cruise I realised that cruises with many sea days were more relaxing. I love repositioning cruises with only few days in ports.

Anyway, you might also find repositioning cruises with many days in port.

[Heidi13]

We did a TA on the same ship in 2014 and from memory the maximum sea days was only 5. I can only assume the OP hasn't been on a cruise before, as their are normally so many activities on offer, that everyone can stay busy, or even just chill, read a book, or just enjoy the refreshing salt air.

 

Suggest the best advice was to cancel and book a Caribbean with 5 or 6 ports in a week.

[taglovestocruise]

The only way you are going to be happy is that your looking forward to doing nothing for five days in a row. Our last TA on Independence had 9 seas days in a row. That is why we booked it.

[cruiserking]

There is plenty to do on a sea day. Each night your Princess Patters Daily Program will be placed on your bed and provide a full list of events taking place on board. Everything from lectures, bingo, trivia, films, games, you name it.

 

Sea days are wonderfully relaxing, grab a good book, pick a spot on the promenade deck and relax. You will not be board. The casino will be open too.

 

Jonathan

[SRF]

Casino payouts don't change with at sea or in port.

 

If not other reason, they are not normally open in ports. :D

 

But table games do not change the rules (only way to change payouts) and slots require replacing hardware INSIDE each machine. No, there is a not a magical port where you can plug in and change the odds.

[Nebr.cruiser]

We pretty much like to relax on sea days, but there is plenty to do if you want to--dozens of activities, sports, movies, crafts, etc. There will not be 3000 bored people roaming the ship and clogging up the aisles during the day.

 

We've had at least 6 sea days in a row and almost hated to see land!

[Greg4502]

There is plenty to do on sea days. I just spent 30 Days on the Emerald a few months ago. Not everyone is out and about at the same time. I will be on her again in 2020 with an 8 day sea run back. What I like is being out there. When you look out and all you see is water. Makes you realize, just how big the earth is. Plus you never know, what you might see.

[Markanddonna]

I've done several TAs and one TP. RCCL was much better in providing quality activities. They had 2PM dance classes taught by a couple (not their dance team), had three wonderful lecture series, and lots of other choices on sea days.

 

On my last NCL TA in 2018, the activities were pretty bland. Learn how to fold a dollar bill class? No lectures and their dance classes were usually during the dinner hours. Our CC group saved the day with organizing card and other sorts of games at 2:30. We met in the Windjammer during this slow time. It was by far the most disappointing TA I've been on. The experience really emphasized that you need to bring your own entertainment: games or books/readers.

[myfuzzy]

"Stuck at sea", I wish I had that problem.....I'm washing, ironing, vacuuming, preparing dinner, making beds........................

[JimnKaren]

The casino patrons will be in the casino. The readers will be elsewhere. The pool chair hogs will be ...

 

 

I like sea days, I can pretend that I am 50 years younger and immune to the problems that drinking alcohol will bring.

 

 

Jim