Am I the only one to cry the last night?

[Dealer36]

I sat on the balcony the last night of our cruise and first of all thanked God for all the wonderful memories that we will forever have etched in our minds for this short but wonderful week of our lives. A lot of people never experience this, ever, but we did and for that I am grateful. Then I cried, because I didn't want it to end. Some of the reasons why I cried were because:

 

We were on the lido deck on the 15th of April (my girlfriend's birthday) and we asked this couple to take a picture of us. They were there with their son (4) who they adopted from Russia when he was 6 months old. Getting to know them really made an indention in our hearts. You really don't realize that you can make some really good friends on a week long cruise, but we did.

 

I know a lot of people don't like Jamaica but we had a great experience there. We had planned to go to Dunn's River Falls but we missed the excursion and instead ended up going along with 6 other people white water rafting. When we first got there my impression was not the greatest because I was expecting "new" equipment, etc..our guide Mackel made all the difference for us. He was the best-he answered every and any question I had for him with a smile and a "yeah, mon". He worked his butt off everytime our raft got "stuck". He explained the economy and such in Jamaica after many questions from my inquiring mind. These people are really poor in this country. He did do something special for us at the end of the excursion that none of the other people with us got. Just my and my girlfriend's raft. He used limestone and washed our feet-basically scrubbed the callouses off of them. He was great for this. We tipped him $20 and had I not lost so much money in the casino I would have given him more. He was a blessing to us.

 

Another thing that I will always remember. While we were docked in Jamaica I got into the bed and all of a sudden I felt like someone was in the next room playing drums. I went back on the balcony and there were about 17 kids in a marching band. I saw one lady a few balconies over calling the young kid over and she threw something down to him about 50 feet. I thought It was a piece of paper but it was money. Everyone started throwing down money and change and these kids would pick it up. It is something I will never forget.

 

I will never forget the karaoke, the shows, the endless food, all of it. Today I am blue because I miss it already. Our experience was awesome and I'm realizing that we didn't see the half of what there is to see. I am dreaming of our next cruise and holding these memories that I will never forget.

[sassyredhat]

We have been home 3 days and we have serious PCD !! :(

 

Pat

[habby]

No, you're not the only one. I always cry at dinner the last night. In fact, we leave in less than four weeks and just reading your post brought tears to my eyes. Those were wonderful stories about Jamaica. Thank you.

 

There are just so many little things that have happened on each cruise to make them memorable. One of the best was when we were on Barbados. We had stopped to ask a guy for directions. I thanked him and said, "God bless you." He paused for a moment and then said, "Merry Christmas!" (This was our Destiny cruise in April 2004)

[CruiseJunkee2]

OMG - we leave in 12 days and I'm already dreading the last night at sea! lol - see whatchyall started?!!! lol

 

We started doing a family cruise last year and plan on doing it every year - my dh and I, our DD and SIL, and DS and DIL. I can't tell you how much I treasure the time - our daughter lives in PA, we live in FL, our son lives near us - so to get them all together for a week is so priceless.

 

One of my favorite memories from last year was our son, playing the penny slots in the casino hit 777 - the chimes were dingin away and he is woohoo'n it and hands up in the air like he won a million - and boy did he laugh when we told him he won $4! that was hysterical!

 

I can't wait for the memories this year!! but gosh darn it, don't want the last night to come!

[Dealer36]

Thanks for your responses. One other thing I didn't mention is that I am more of a casual person who would prefer the buffets and the burgers and my girlfriend prefers the atmosphere of the dining rooms. They did sing a bit at formal night but I was listening to our new friend Kristi tell a story and I didn't want to be rude so I missed it a bit. My girlfriend asked me to go to dinner the last night and I really didn't want to go so she went with our new friends and she told me when she got back to the stateroom that it took everything for her not to cry at dinner. They were singing "goodbye, farewell,etc.." and she about broke down. Makes me wish I would have gone with her....

[tammiebolling]

I was on the Carnival Conquest March 23-30 2008 and I also cried the last night at Dinner.. I did not want it to end!:D

[madjohn]

But it usually has a lot to do with going back to work:eek: :mad:

[Rhealsmom]

I've been crying every night for the past week and we haven't even sailed yet. It has been 7 years since our last cruise and will probably be at least 3 before we go again (logistics just don't let it work well). We board the Miracle in 9 days (May 1) and already I'm dreading the last day....

 

All I can say is -- get it out of my system now - so I can enjoy the cruise and then mourn again on May 8 (hopefully -- not too early as May 8 is DH birthday) and into May 9 when they force me off of the ship.

 

Tracey

[cruzkitty]

I don't actually cry, but do get very sad on the last night. I don't want the fun to end, either. You have worked and saved all year and now it's all over. But the saddest part for me last year was leaving all the wonderful friends I had met. But guess what? We are cruising with them again to the Mexican Riviera this year. Can't wait to be sad again!!:rolleyes:

[MaryZ]

I sat on the balcony the last night of our cruise and first of all thanked God for all the wonderful memories that we will forever have etched in our minds for this short but wonderful week of our lives. A lot of people never experience this, ever, but we did and for that I am grateful. Then I cried, because I didn't want it to end. .

 

The answer is just book another cruise.

I have never cried because a vacation was over. I'm always happy to go and happy to go home. But that is probably because we make travel a priority in our lives. I just look forward to our next adventure.

So if you are crying over an ending vacation, you need to vacation more.:D

[sheri18]

I usually have tears the last nite too...

[*Mach*]

Cry? No. Not that I'm not moved on the last evening of every cruise. It never fails. I can't sleep, I pace about glancing out the window or standing on the balcony for a few moments, the cruise replaying through my mind...

The fact that I am fortunate and able to cruise fairly often never eludes me. The fact that some people don't like to cruise or refuse to cruise amazes me. Perhaps it takes them too far out of their comfort zone, perhaps the sight of the poverty of lands like Jamaica makes them uncomfortable.

The time I spend on the sea is precious. I wonder at the beauty of the sea and marvel at the sunsets.

We, who cruise, are fortunate, indeed.

Congratulations. You've found a little bit of heaven on Earth.

[corinnv]

Very sweet...:)

[sheri18]

OMG - we leave in 12 days and I'm already dreading the last night at sea! lol - see whatchyall started?!!! lol

 

We started doing a family cruise last year and plan on doing it every year - my dh and I, our DD and SIL, and DS and DIL. I can't tell you how much I treasure the time - our daughter lives in PA, we live in FL, our son lives near us - so to get them all together for a week is so priceless.

 

One of my favorite memories from last year was our son, playing the penny slots in the casino hit 777 - the chimes were dingin away and he is woohoo'n it and hands up in the air like he won a million - and boy did he laugh when we told him he won $4! that was hysterical!

 

I can't wait for the memories this year!! but gosh darn it, don't want the last night to come!

 

 

 

we have been doing family cruises since by youngest DS was 15 ...10 years now...

 

now it is me, DH, DS#1+DIL, DS#2+DIL, and DS#3 who usually brings 1 or 2 of his college buudies....

 

we allready booked for next year (1 week after cruise), but just found out over the weedkend that DS#1+DIL are expecting their first baby and our first grandchild in Dec.....so now we will have to reschedule our trip.....here is our family picture from Feb. on the Glory;

 

 

these are the best memories ....we all have such a wonderful time...it is a great tradtion...which we will now share with GC...

[halos]

I sat on the balcony the last night of our cruise and first of all thanked God for all the wonderful memories that we will forever have etched in our minds for this short but wonderful week of our lives. A lot of people never experience this, ever, but we did and for that I am grateful. Then I cried, because I didn't want it to end. Some of the reasons why I cried were because:

 

We were on the lido deck on the 15th of April (my girlfriend's birthday) and we asked this couple to take a picture of us. They were there with their son (4) who they adopted from Russia when he was 6 months old. Getting to know them really made an indention in our hearts. You really don't realize that you can make some really good friends on a week long cruise, but we did.

 

I know a lot of people don't like Jamaica but we had a great experience there. We had planned to go to Dunn's River Falls but we missed the excursion and instead ended up going along with 6 other people white water rafting. When we first got there my impression was not the greatest because I was expecting "new" equipment, etc..our guide Mackel made all the difference for us. He was the best-he answered every and any question I had for him with a smile and a "yeah, mon". He worked his butt off everytime our raft got "stuck". He explained the economy and such in Jamaica after many questions from my inquiring mind. These people are really poor in this country. He did do something special for us at the end of the excursion that none of the other people with us got. Just my and my girlfriend's raft. He used limestone and washed our feet-basically scrubbed the callouses off of them. He was great for this. We tipped him $20 and had I not lost so much money in the casino I would have given him more. He was a blessing to us.

 

Another thing that I will always remember. While we were docked in Jamaica I got into the bed and all of a sudden I felt like someone was in the next room playing drums. I went back on the balcony and there were about 17 kids in a marching band. I saw one lady a few balconies over calling the young kid over and she threw something down to him about 50 feet. I thought It was a piece of paper but it was money. Everyone started throwing down money and change and these kids would pick it up. It is something I will never forget.

 

I will never forget the karaoke, the shows, the endless food, all of it. Today I am blue because I miss it already. Our experience was awesome and I'm realizing that we didn't see the half of what there is to see. I am dreaming of our next cruise and holding these memories that I will never forget.

 

Oh FTLOG, I almost cried reading your dang post!

 

 

To answer your question...I usually cry in gratitude when I board and when we sail away...I cry at the debark talk and I am miserable when I debark.

Fortunately, my DH and I take turns at the debark talk and he's due to go the next cruise...so that will save me some tears.

[halos]

and our first grandchild in Dec.....so now we will have to reschedule our trip.....here is our family picture from Feb. on the Glory;

 

 

..

 

Wow...nice looking guys in that photo!!!! ;)

[Peaceful]

I agree with the good memories, but am not usually sad at the end. I keep a travel journal and relive the silly things and beautiful things that happen.

 

This last cruise, every time I sat on our balcony, I saw flying fish. They leave the water like white projectiles and land in a cresting "wave" with a splash. There is something so amusing about watching them and they can "fly" so bloody far!

 

I enjoy laughing like a child. It never fails that when I am fully relaxed, little things set off laughter that hurts. That feels so good. I should relax more....(another story).

 

I could not agree more that being aware of the blessing of being able to travel sweetens the trip even more. Some people struggle to live day to day; I live to travel. (Deep sigh). I also am truly blessed.

 

Thanks for bringing this subject up.

[4me-itstheC]

Nope- I usually start getting choked up while I'm packing my stuff up. My DH just rolls his eyes at me and says "Oh Lord here we go again!!" He just doesn't understand. ;) I completely know how you feel!!!

 

 

Carmel

[cruise_pirate]

On our last cruise I got bummed out dropping the bags to the porters because we had planned so much and worked so hard to bring 17 of our family members with that I knew in just a weeks time we would all be in different areas of the states again.:rolleyes:

[barbmac]

Nope- I usually start getting choked up while I'm packing my stuff up. My DH just rolls his eyes at me and says "Oh Lord here we go again!!" He just doesn't understand. ;) I completely know how you feel!!!

 

 

Carmel

I usually sit on the balcony late at night. I listen to Jimmy Buffet"s "Son of a Sailor" and the tears start to fall. I feel very fortunate to be able to cruise 1-2 times per year. I love to sit outside and marvel at the beauty of the sea. It always makes me feel quite small.

[Pegs222]

I can see why you may have shed some tears. You plan for your wonderful cruise for such a long time, it finally comes, you have a fabulous time and it goes so fast. I have a little over four months and already I know how fast it is going to go.

 

Dry your tears and plan another one even if it is not very soon. The planning of the cruise is so much fun it will take you mind off how sad you are right now.

 

Glad you had such a wonderful time. Time is very short, enjoy these very special times because they are fleeting.

[ssatterly]

I admit I have cryed on the last night

[DGP1111]

we allready booked for next year (1 week after cruise), but just found out over the weedkend that DS#1+DIL are expecting their first baby and our first grandchild in Dec.....so now we will have to reschedule our trip.....here is our family picture from Feb. on the Glory;

 

Sheri18:

I had not previously read your ultra-sensational review of the 2/23/08 Carnival Glory voyage, but just did, and every word of it. What a hoot!!!

I was the one who originally started that roll call, but decided much later to cancel that sailing and go with something different. I had a total blast on my replacement sailing, and had zero regrets about leaving the Glory cruise. . . until now. I wish I could have been around to hear you tell about your family's 'adventure' in person.

Again, a much belated Kudos on a fantastic post-cruise review, and thanks for the many chuckles!!! :) :)

[sheri18]

Sheri18:

I had not previously read your ultra-sensational review of the 2/23/08 Carnival Glory voyage, but just did, and every word of it. What a hoot!!!

I was the one who originally started that roll call, but decided much later to cancel that sailing and go with something different. I had a total blast on my replacement sailing, and had zero regrets about leaving the Glory cruise. . . until now. I wish I could have been around to hear you tell about your family's 'adventure' in person.

Again, a much belated Kudos on a fantastic post-cruise review, and thanks for the many chuckles!!! :) :)

 

glad you enjoyed my review....we all had a great time and the ship was awesom.....sorry you missed it.....glad you enjoyed your cruise

[bakechef]

Cry? No. Not that I'm not moved on the last evening of every cruise. It never fails. I can't sleep, I pace about glancing out the window or standing on the balcony for a few moments, the cruise replaying through my mind...

 

The fact that I am fortunate and able to cruise fairly often never eludes me. The fact that some people don't like to cruise or refuse to cruise amazes me. Perhaps it takes them too far out of their comfort zone, perhaps the sight of the poverty of lands like Jamaica makes them uncomfortable.

 

The time I spend on the sea is precious. I wonder at the beauty of the sea and marvel at the sunsets.

 

We, who cruise, are fortunate, indeed.

 

Congratulations. You've found a little bit of heaven on Earth.

 

Well said, I feel the same way, so fortunate to be able to have such a wonderful vacation.

 

My last cruise was with some first timers and they were absolutely blown away by the experience, one kept a journal, and recently gave each of us on the cruise an individual card, with a paper inside highlighting all of the funny things said, done, and experienced, he also combined all of our pictures on one DVD, very thoughtful.

 

I have gotten over feeling sad at the end of a cruise, but to be excited that it happened.

 

MAC