What is a reality check? We believe it is when you’re told about something that everyone else knows about and you have no clue. Raven recently got one of those today when the editor over at Off Track Planet mentioned that she was downright sick of the media coverage on the Carnival cruise ship Splendor. Apparently this ship had a fire at sea and some other issues that required it to be towed to California. It seems that this was big news but as we generally avoid television, newspapers, or any other media we had absolutely no idea about it ever happening.
The issue with the ship was big news and as we’re scheduled to actually be on the Carnival Victory sailing March 27th, we figured now would be as good a time as any on how to actually get a worthy story while on a floating luxo-barge.
1. Get to Know the Crew
The junior crew are your eyes, ears, and inside source to the ship. If you need to know anything about the ports, need the real scoop on any of the senior crew, or even some interesting stories about past guests who made complete fools of themselves, these guys are the ones to talk to .
2. Live Green, Be Green, Hey Whats that Green Stuff Pouring out of the Side of the Ship?
That’s right, we here at No Map Nomads are dedicated to the protection of the oceans and the sustainability of our travels. Be sure to check out Cruise Junkie to see if there have been any incidents on your cruise. You can also check out the Friends of Earth Cruiseship Grading Sheet to see how individual ships rank. If you really want to get technical and see exactly what the ships discharge is, feel free to browse the 163 page Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report
3. Island Excursions
Did you know that the cruise ships charge over $150 for a $25 tour of St John’s in the US Virgin Islands? Just imagine how the rest of the shore excursions compare. We suggest skipping the prearranged excursions and just going on your own tour of the islands. In other words, get the hell out of Dodge. Hire a taxi and have him take you to the other side of the island FAR away from the other cruise ship passengers. Better yet, find out from the crew where the locals hang out on each island and go there.
4. Security Onboard and Off
Here at No Map Nomads we generally believe in self-preservation and using common sense. Security in port is generally up to you. We remember when we were in Nassau, Bahamas. There were broken bottles everywhere and gangs dealing drugs right in the open. In St Thomas on the US Virgin Islands, better known to the locals at St Trauma the domestic violence capital of the US, there were burnt out cars in the street and bullet holes across several buildings. Most recently a 14-year-old girl and passenger on the Carnival Victory was gunned down on a beach during a shore excursion when she was caught between the gunfire of two gangs. Needless to say, it’s best to keep your eyes open and your senses alert. Always trust your gut feeling.
The other thing is even aboard you should not drop your guard. Although you may believe it’s safe, it is best to remain cognizant and be careful of your behavior. In other words, don’t get so drunk you can’t keep an eye on your back. You are on a ship with hundreds of other people you don’t know after all! Everyone may be on vacation, but a cruise ship is a floating city with the same potential for good and bad. There have been many cases of cruise ship passengers disappearing with nothing more than a few drops of blood on the railing.
5. What to do On Board
Ah, a day at sea. Nothing but blue water while you pass distant islands, cavort in sunshine with about 600 other people crowding the upper decks and pool. All of you trapped on a boat with nothing to do. Suddenly feel sorry for the recreation director? You may manage to snag one of the lounge chairs early and just plan to sunbathe all day, smirking while the same couple walks by you ten times looking longingly at the full deck space. But what if it is raining? What if you want some food? You might want to read that list of activities that the director is handing out.
Don’t go on a cruise expecting you will be constantly entertained. The activities may be too crowded, the spa booked, and horror of horrors, it may rain making that pretty deck pool rather glum. But then again, that may be your opportunity for some elbow room. Try visiting areas of the ship off-hours or off-weather if you are intrepid. Watch the sun rise from the Crow’s Nest, swim at night, bring a book and a deck of cards. Give the recreation director a break and go to a talk. The educational ones about the ship, how slot machines work, and the life of a modern cruise employee will surprise you and are usually not that crowded. Cruising is not 24 hours of entertainment and too many rough days or days at sea can lead you to feeling like you are living a reality TV show with a theme of crowded cabin fever.
These suggestions are just the icing . . . oh never mind, we shouldn’t mention ice in an article on cruising. We’ll have more recommendations coming up. Until then, remember the Lido deck is open 24 hours and go get a sunday!
Part 2..click to read more
If you want to read more on cruising, both pro and con….check out the leading cruise ship site at http://www.cruisecritic.com/