|
Post by angel97701 on Jun 13, 2019 4:25:03 GMT
So I am considering going on a scrapbooking cruise as a treat for my 60th birthday. The thing is my favorite scrapping buds aren't able to join me. My mom is caring for my father who has Alzheimers, and isn't willing to leave him at this point. My sister has had a full year of expenses (college graduation, wedding of oldest) and is a teacher who can't take time off during the year right now.
So the question is . . . do I consider going by myself? Or is that just strange? Would anyone here considering doing the same . . . or even joining me? I like the looks of this one:
OR do I try and convince DH to do the cruise too? He would much rather be sailing a sailboat than cruising . . .
So I am back and finally have time to share a few tidbits about my amazing cruise!
Royal Caribbean and a small ship were perfect for our cruise. I was asked by the other ladies "How did you find out about the cruise?" At lease 20 of the 24 all came because of the LSS that sponsored the cruise and asked Echo Park to come along. It was the best time in class on at sea days and cropping during the evenings. There were fun theme nights, tropical and Christmas PJs. I didn't get as much done (really no surprise) as I packed.
Our first stop, Key West: We did the Conch train tour, the Butterfly Conservancy, and the Truman's Little White house. Only 5 hours in Key West so we actually crammed a lot in! Highlights were having a Blue Morpho land on my shoulder!
Belize City: We took a tour to Xunan Tunich a Mayan Ruin on the interior of Belize, so we drove across the country for about 90 minutes and toured the ruins. When we climbed to the top we could see Guatemala! I learned a great deal from the tour guide as we asked many questions during our ride. Part of the excursion was an authentic Belizian meal of chicken, rice/beans, and coleslaw with peas and corn!
Costa Maya: Our excursion was to snorkel the reef from the local town. It was choppy from the recent storm, but very interesting. It was fun to see the fish, turtle, and Eagle Ray.
Cozumel or actually Playa del Carmen: We went with Blue Caribe to tour a Cenote or an underground river. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Since it was a private tour company we booked through Cruise and Crop we ended up with a private and our guide Miguel was so enthralled by what he was sharing with us! Ninety minutes walking/swimming in very mineralized water seeing stalactites and stalagmites, various root formations. We saw catfish, two kinds of spiders, racoon prints, AND very recent Jaguar prints. The jaguar was not in the cave with us though . . . our guide said he would smell it . . . like wet dog! He even offered to video us with my phone! This was the highlight of the trip! Our skin was so soft for many days after.
I did have a minor injury during the trip and was very thankful for the onboard acupuncturist. I was pain free before we went snorkeling. We didn't really do many of the other activities on the ship as we had the conference room and crop time. Other's in our group went to some of the activities. A few women stayed on the ship during port days and crafted. Most of them had already cruised these destinations before though.
I will totally go again sometime. DH was happy for me to go, and I was thankful he was home to care for our kids and dogs. It worked all for the best.
|
|
|
Post by kiwikate on Jun 13, 2019 9:43:08 GMT
I wish I was closer... this looks wonderful! I would definitely consider doing this on my own, but I am not one who needs the company of others too often. I definitely would not take my husband unless he was super keen!
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Jun 13, 2019 11:49:24 GMT
I would have no problem going alone. I would offer to join you, but I can't leave DH.
I hope you share your experience, if you go.
|
|
|
Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jun 13, 2019 12:11:34 GMT
I would totally go on my own!!
No having to consider when another person wants to eat, when they want to sleep, what they feel like doing.
|
|
ComplicatedLady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,037
Location: Valley of the Sun
Jul 26, 2014 21:02:07 GMT
|
Post by ComplicatedLady on Jun 13, 2019 12:46:34 GMT
I would go on my own (and I’m looking at the dates on some of them!) I think it would be fun to go with a friend. Not sure about taking my dh. I’d have to look more at the ships and make sure there’s something for him to do. He’s not really good at relaxing. He wouldn’t just vacation and hang by the pool. Fun site though—thank you for sharing! I hope one of the peas could join you— that would be way cool!
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Jun 13, 2019 13:17:24 GMT
looks like fun - if I could afford it, I would totally book alone (DH has no interest in cruising)
|
|
|
Post by walkerdill on Jun 13, 2019 13:26:53 GMT
I'm going on one in February but dragging along my SO & ds but booked them excursions so I can crop. I would have went alone if they didn't want to come. I'm going on one out of Port Canaveral & it is cheap! You complete a whole 20 page album if your interested you can see it here.The original cruise sold out so they opened a 2nd one going back to back and this is the 2nd part (I'm going on the first part).
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,115
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Jun 13, 2019 13:45:15 GMT
I'd probably take my DH. However, there is one other thing you might consider......
It is still within the expected months of hurricane season, although at least it's toward the end. I would definitely check the statistics for likelihood of a hurricane during that time, before booking. My DH and I went on a cruise during hurricane season, but we went mid-October. My mom warned me that it was hurricane season. I rolled my eyes and told her that she worried too much. It was miserable, even just on the outskirts of the hurricane. Thankfully, we made it to Grand Bahama Island before the worst of if hit. They closed the port right after we got in. Another ship was not so fortunate. Because the port had closed, they had to circle farther out and around the island during the hurricane. When they finally made it back to port, everyone on board had spent about 30 hours upchucking and were hospitalized due to dehydration.
Being in November, your chances are probably less likely to experience anything like that, but I will never go on any cruise during hurricane season again, even late in the season.
|
|
gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,889
Location: Sacramento, Ca
Aug 29, 2014 3:09:48 GMT
|
Post by gramma on Jun 13, 2019 15:00:03 GMT
That is a great price! I'd take the DH. It's not like you'll scrap every day for the entire day. There would be plenty of time for off ship excursions together. Have you done a cruise before?
|
|
|
Post by Tammiem2pnc1 on Jun 13, 2019 15:24:35 GMT
If I could afford it, I would totally go with you! Echo park is my absolute favorite company.
But I'd go alone. No one I know in real life is really into scrapbooking or crafting. So when it comes to activities I'm almost always alone.
|
|
|
Post by Citygirl on Jun 13, 2019 15:37:35 GMT
Is there a Facebook group for the cruise where you could make friends beforehand?
If it was a regular retreat/crop I would have no problem going alone, but a cruise I would probably not go alone. Only because there are many days outside of the sea (crop) days that I would rather have a companion especially for dinner in the dining room. I'm sure you will meet other crafters but they may be there with their families. If you could make friends online ahead of time that might make it easier. Also, you are celebrating a big birthday so it might be nice to celebrate with your hubbie. Whatever you decide I hope you have a nice time and enjoy your birthday.
|
|
|
Post by mom on Jun 13, 2019 17:43:09 GMT
So I am considering going on a scrapbooking cruise as a treat for my 60th birthday. The thing is my favorite scrapping buds aren't able to join me. My mom is caring for my father who has Alzheimers, and isn't willing to leave him at this point. My sister has had a full year of expenses (college graduation, wedding of oldest) and is a teacher who can't take time off during the year right now.
So the question is . . . do I consider going by myself? Or is that just strange? Would anyone here considering doing the same . . . or even joining me? I like the looks of this one:
OR do I try and convince DH to do the cruise too? He would much rather be sailing a sailboat than cruising . . . I have been on that cruise - not the scrapbook part, but the stops -- and Belize City is a favorite! To answer your question, I would make DH go with me.
|
|
amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,328
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
|
Post by amom23 on Jun 13, 2019 17:54:53 GMT
The cruise itinerary looks fun, but no way would I go alone. There are just too many stops and I wouldn't want to be out and about off the ship by myself. It's a safety concern for me especially in Mexico. I'd make my DH go with me.
|
|
|
Post by cropelf on Jun 13, 2019 19:30:18 GMT
I often go to crops and crafty weekends alone, so that wouldn't bother me. However, you might consider that the single person rate is only slightly less than the two person rate. It isn't much more for DH to come along. His fare would be practically paid for if you are in the cabin by yourself.
|
|
oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,163
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
|
Post by oaksong on Jun 13, 2019 20:02:09 GMT
It looks like a great cruise! I hope you find someone to go with you! If it was West Coast, I would definitely consider it.
|
|
|
Post by angel97701 on Jul 1, 2019 0:59:25 GMT
So I booked my cruise! DH really didn't want to go, but was not adverse to me going and taking a friend who is our neighbor (on our dime). My friend has had a year of loss, and her husband will have been deployed twice this year. She wants to get back in touch with her creative side, and was very excited to accept our gift. We had a blast planning our excursions the other evening and talking about the packing list. We are both very excited! For what it's worth, DH is taking 2 buddies to do the racing school at Portland International Raceway, so we both are planning something fun in the next few months.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 25, 2024 22:11:55 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2019 1:40:05 GMT
So I booked my cruise! DH really didn't want to go, but was not adverse to me going and taking a friend who is our neighbor (on our dime). My friend has had a year of loss, and her husband will have been deployed twice this year. She wants to get back in touch with her creative side, and was very excited to accept our gift. We had a blast planning our excursions the other evening and talking about the packing list. We are both very excited! For what it's worth, DH is taking 2 buddies to do the racing school at Portland International Raceway, so we both are planning something fun in the next few months. I think that is fantastic, and very generous of you. What a wonderful gift for someone!! Have so much fun, please tell us all about it when you return!
|
|
|
Post by Citygirl on Jul 1, 2019 1:57:11 GMT
Good for you! I hope you have a wonderful time. Hope to hear about it.
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Jul 1, 2019 20:54:18 GMT
Good for you! I hope you have a wonderful time and what a wonderful gift for your neighbor. As a military wife, we have precious time to just relax and think about ourselves.
|
|
|
Post by angel97701 on Aug 9, 2019 3:09:30 GMT
Almost everything is finalized! I have the cruise booked, our excursions, hotel the night before departure because flying from the West Coast doesn't allow us to fly in on the day of departure, and flights. Just have to book one final transfer. Yippee, so excited but now I need to wait 3 months! Glad they will be busy ones
|
|
|
Post by KikiPea on Aug 9, 2019 3:21:14 GMT
I don’t think I’d ever do one, but if I did, I’d do the Vicki Boutin Cruise. DH would be ok going, but I wouldn’t want to leave him for all that time. I don’t think I’d go alone, either, so I’d probably only go if my scrappy friend was available to go.
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Aug 9, 2019 20:14:10 GMT
angel97701 That is the BEST solution. I am so excited for you both. I look forward to hearing all about it.
|
|
|
Post by angel97701 on Dec 7, 2019 16:11:51 GMT
Bump
|
|
msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
|
Post by msliz on Dec 7, 2019 16:48:20 GMT
Awesome trip! I'm so glad you were able to go! And, Happy Birthday
|
|
|
Post by Skellinton on Dec 7, 2019 17:13:21 GMT
Sounds like a great trip!! So glad you went and had fun!
|
|
|
Post by grammadee on Dec 7, 2019 17:34:47 GMT
Thanks for the update, angel97701! So glad you had an awesome experience, both crafting and exploring. Having Echo Park come along must have been a bonus. Did they do classes? Provide you with any product?
|
|
chendra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,860
Location: The 33rd State
Jun 27, 2014 16:58:50 GMT
|
Post by chendra on Dec 7, 2019 18:24:21 GMT
Sounds wonderful! I'm glad everything worked out to give you a memorable birthday cruise 😊
|
|
|
Post by angel97701 on Dec 8, 2019 4:26:59 GMT
Thanks for the update, angel97701 ! So glad you had an awesome experience, both crafting and exploring. Having Echo Park come along must have been a bonus. Did they do classes? Provide you with any product? Yes, Madison did two classes. One that was a box to hold folders based on the I love Crafting collection that has three folders decorated to scrap crafting photos . . . photos posted soon? A a double page layout featuring Christmas Market collection. He is a riot, and really appreciated that I choose that cruise because of the connection to Echo Park, most of the others were there because of the LSS Scraporium outside of Tampa, FL. We also received product from Echo Park and from Scraporium that included other companies like Carta Bella (also Echo Park), Graphic 45, and Photoplay.
|
|
|
Post by mom on Dec 8, 2019 5:38:25 GMT
it sounds like you had a great time on your cruise! Belize is one of my favorite countries to visit! Im glad you go to go!
|
|
Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,459
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
|
Post by Chinagirl828 on Dec 8, 2019 7:53:39 GMT
It sounds like you had a wonderful trip!
|
|