Cruising Guilt?

[Karried]

I love to cruise, I love every single thing about it - except the post partum cruise depression when it's over!

 

But I'm wondering, does anyone else feel guilty about the money spent on cruising? Or feel guilty travelling when something happens like Katrina?

 

I sometimes think I should be more practical and put cruise money away for retirement or other things .. but I know I only have a few more years with my kids before they go off to college so I want to vacation with them and do something we all love to do.. but how do you justify it if you feel a little badly about it?

 

I'm going on my second Carnival Cruise in July out of Galveston.. Conquest and this time I booked a Balcony for my hubby and I and an Inside for the boys.. across the hall. This will be my fifth cruise total.

 

I know I will get different responses, but I am sincere in wanting to know if anyone else feels this way? And if you do, what makes you feel better?

[Kittybork]

The money spent on vacation time with your family is money well-spent. One day they'll be grown with families of their own, and all of you will have special memories. You won't be here forever, and you can't take it with you. The money for college (and all the other stuff) always manages to work out. Make the memories; you'll never regret it.

[derf5585]

But I'm wondering, does anyone else feel guilty about the money spent on cruising?

 

The money we spend cruising helps the crew to be paid. Stockholders to get rich. More ships that have to be built. Jobs for port workers.

 

As was said on the last day of the cruise by our CD.

Be thankful that you can cruise. Just think the percentage of the worlds population that can cruise.

[Molly BPOE]

NO! I work hard for my money. I want to enjoy it now, I don't even know if there will be a tomorrow.

[Wennfred]

I love to cruise, I love every single thing about it - except the post partum cruise depression when it's over!

 

But I'm wondering, does anyone else feel guilty about the money spent on cruising? Or feel guilty travelling when something happens like Katrina?

 

I sometimes think I should be more practical and put cruise money away for retirement or other things .. but I know I only have a few more years with my kids before they go off to college so I want to vacation with them and do something we all love to do.. but how do you justify it if you feel a little badly about it?

 

I'm going on my second Carnival Cruise in July out of Galveston.. Conquest and this time I booked a Balcony for my hubby and I and an Inside for the boys.. across the hall. This will be my fifth cruise total.

 

I know I will get different responses, but I am sincere in wanting to know if anyone else feels this way? And if you do, what makes you feel better?

 

Im pretty lucky because I can do lots of overtime and that pays for the cruise, I have been cutting back on my spending thou, I dont play bingo, casino and if I buy drinks they are on the Drink Coupons. If I cruise out of San Diego or Long Beach then I would save on Airfare so I would treat myself to carnival excursions, comes out to be the same price as if I was flying. Post Cruise I spend my off times here with you all reading all the cool reviews until my next cruise.

 

Fred

[Wennfred]

You won't be here forever

 

Rumors have it that theyre building a new ship up in heaven :)

[IBEEMOM]

I agree with the previous posters. If you have the money to cruise, Do It. Life is too short and if you keep putting things off, something may happen to prevent it. Work hard, and enjoy life as you go along and have your health. I have never regretted any cruise or traveling I have done in my life. Go for it!

[jckvpa0]

As far as feeling bad for things that are going on in the world I would not worry as long as you have contributed in a way that your comfortable with than you should not feel bad.

 

Cruise & be happy, who knows what tomorrow will bring!!!

[dashadow]

Like the commercial says: 5 days of togetherness, sun and fun with the ones you love....................priceless.

[cloudydrms]

But I'm wondering, does anyone else feel guilty about the money spent on cruising?

No, definitely not. (And the only reason my reply is this long is because it has to be at least 4 characters long. Otherwise, it would only say, "No".)

[cruise_pirate]

There is no promise of tommorow for any of us, so taking a well earned vacation and enjoying my family is worth every cent. Plus 5 days at Disney costs more than most Carnival Cruises!;)

[TennisLover]

One this is for sure: On your last day on earth, you won't be wishing you worked more.

 

Regarding the cost: Cruising can be expensive, especially if you have to go when your kids are off from school (which is what I need to do now). I feel a bit of guilt when I book next year's cruise within weeks of getting off this year's cruise (when credit card charge hasn't even arrived from ship charges!). But, as someone else noted, we all work hard. I know that I need something to look forward to. My DH and I rarely have quality family time at home. Too many obligations, homework, schedules. Family time is VERY important, and it's valuable to have it when everyone can relax. Beside the memories, it is a great chance to enjoy your kids NOW. It's also a great education for the kids. And, they won't be this age forever.

 

If you're really spending more than you can afford, there are ways to make it less expensive (less expensive cabin, less spending on board, etc.) But, vacation is vacation. Not that we go crazy, but we don't pass once-in-a-lifetime opportunities if we're already on the cruise (for example, the Panama Canal excursion). As for drinks on-board, if I can't affort to have the drinks I want, I probably shouldn't be on the cruise (IMO). We don't gamble, so that's not an issue. The kids don't go crazy in the arcade (perhaps we've taught them a little about the value of money -- we definitely give them a limit). I learned this year that I do have to watch my daughter's interest in bingo (she's 13 and liked it way too much this year).

 

OK, this post is too long. I'm trying to say that you have to enjoy life. It's not all about work. As Jonathan Larson wrote (see my signature below): "No day but today! Forget regrets for life is yours to live." (RENT - on Broadway or in the movies/DVD). Words to live by.

[JoFromFL]

I doubt I will ever lay on my deathbed thinking "I wish I had kept my toilets cleaner" or "I wish I was leaving more money in my bank account" but I might think "I wish I had seen (fill in the blank)" or "I wish I had spent more quality time with my family."

 

So to avoid those feelings, I vacation with my kid often because I never did that with my parents. And, while I want to be able to retire in such a way as to not be a burden to my DD, I want to enjoy travel while I am young. Sure, I hope to travel when I am older, but you never know what the future will bring.

 

If you feel guilty, do all you can to help others. There are lots of ways to do this in addition to donations. Volunteer at a nursing home, teach someone to read, give blood, the list goes on and on. If you are blessed enough to travel, enjoy your blessings and pay it forward whenever you can.

 

One final thought: many ports are developing areas and travelling to these places helps to build economies.

 

(Yeah - I can justify ANYTHING!:D )

[mrsv41605]

I have an incredible amount of guilt about my cruise--next Saturday!!! I am cruising with Dh and my sister and her family (2 adult kids), but not my kids--on Easter. And I do feel guilt about leaving the kids on Easter. It is my first anniversary--second marriage!!! I am a teacher and can only take February or April vacation cruises--or of course, a summer cruise--no thanks!!

 

My son and my step daughter are both 21 and in college--no cruising in April for them, and they honestly could not care less what we do as long as their bills are paid. My son plays football, so the Spring Bowl is imminent, and no time off especially for him. My daughter is 12, and is still "clingy" so we do not think she is ready for the cruise experience. She is, however, really looking forward to spending the week with her NaNa, who will spoil her in ways that just do not happen at home!! LOL We do, however, plan on bringing both daughter and NaNa next April!

 

So a little guilt of a different color here . . .

[meluvtogocruise]

Karried,

 

It is evident that you are a sensitive person. I too have had moments when I wondered if I should do something charitable with my vacation budget. I do feel very sad for the Katrina victims. However, we really can't keep up with every disaster that happens.

 

None of us can give enough to help everyone. All of us can give enough to help some.

 

I think vacations should be part of our family budget as should charitable contributions.

 

Anytime we catch ourselves being excessive in any area whether it be buying too many clothes, shoes, cars, jewelry etc., we might examine our reasons.

 

Vacations are important. We need to recharge our batteries by changing our environment. Our families create beautiful memories together.

 

As another poster said, there are many folks who benefit because be visit the states or countries.

[jrutherford]

Although I did not suffer nearly as badly as many did, after 3 hurricanes hitting my area in the past year, I don't feel bad about cruising and neither should you! Take advantage of the opportunity to do so if time and money permit. Trust me, we look forward to our cruises after making it through hurricane season with our house still standing!

[ladycaveat]

Someone told me years ago that the best money he could ever spend was on making memories with his family. I'm now 59, my husband is no longer with us but my 29 year old son remembers his father's words. So much in fact that he is going with me next January on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Spending time with your family . . . be it on a cruise or just a weekend trip to the beach . . . those are the times you and your children will remember for the rest of you life.

[shiloh25]

No, not at all.

[mrsv41605]

Oh Wow-- super guilt coming in right now!!!!

 

ANYONE else cruising without the kids????

[therobsweeps]

I have never felt guilt because of cruising but sometimes I feel for the staff who, for some, come from very impoverished nations. When I feel guilt, it is usually at dinner when we are eating these wonderful meals and I wonder what the wait staff is thinking of. The cost of one of our meals could probably feed everyone in their village for a month. But then I take another bite of lobster and it usually goes away ;-)

[rvrgirl]

nope don't feel guilty at all. Still cruisen with the kids ages 31 & 29. Hopefully one day to share with grandkids. Work hard all our life!

I do feel for the less fortunate. Not only in the states but also in the ports.

[richfret]

I agree with you whole heartedly and I also feel the guilt and depression. I know your pain. I also know the money could be spent else where and it could earn interest.

 

OK ............. now that we got that out, help me figure out if I should select the Valor or the Liberty in 2007 for our next 10th cruise. Just got back from the Liberty last week so I don't want to rush things and cruise again this year. See........... actually I am very practical and economical and am saving tons of money by not cruising again this year.

[cruisinbuddy]

I never feel guilty. I scrimp & save for two years and blow it all on a cruise. My MIL, FIL, wifes Aunt, and my Mom all passed away in their late 40's to mid 50's. No chance to enjoy retirement. I'm having fun now! We're in our mid 40's.

[donnavb5]

Oh Wow-- super guilt coming in right now!!!!

 

ANYONE else cruising without the kids????

 

NOPE and my daughter didn't feel guilty when she went to Hawaii with her graduation class and I was home working either!

Everyone gets "their time" to do things. This is yours, enjoy it!

[tef43]

But I'm wondering, does anyone else feel guilty about the money spent on cruising?

Absolutely not.

Or feel guilty travelling when something happens like Katrina?

What do natural disasters have to do with my vacation? :confused:

 

It's all about budgeting, discretionary income, and your personal situation.

 

For us it's simple. My FF miles earned through traveling 80-90% for work pay for vacation. Next year I have a Hawaiian vacation fully paid for, courtesy of airline and hotel loyalty programs. And it still doesn't put a recognizable dent in the miles/points bank. This also gives me much more flexibility in making charitable donations.