“I would love a cruise which just steamed around in a circle and never hit any ports.”

‘Round these parts, they’re called ‘repositioning cruises’. Fewer ports, many more sea days. There’s usually a lecture series, lotsa movies to catch up on, and best of all, your phone won’t work. We’ve cruised with people who won’t do anything else.

Based on observations of relevant phenotype and having absolutely no relation to perusals of any Bush Family snaps, you’ll be dealing with a bum boat by the time she makes Speaker.

In 2006, it was our 50th anniversary and I asked Mrs. JJ where she wanted to go. She said she wanted to try a cruise. I was not enthusiastic, but it was her anniversary gift. So, we decided to take a cruise that went from England to Port Kiel in Germany, Tallinn in Estonia, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and back to England. We saw and did many fabulous things on shore tours, enjoyed the food, and only had to pack once. Also, Mrs. JJ likes to dress up. After 13 years of living out of a knapsack and roughing it when traveling, she was ready for the change. Since then, we have done many cruises and will undoubtedly cruise again, if we stay healthy enough.

We like Holland America. Their ships are smaller, and the passengers are mostly adults. The tours and on-board activities are mostly aimed at educational and cultural experiences rather than catering to younger, more vigorous and partying activities. Norwegian has some small ships, and they have freestyle dining – several different restaurants with special cuisines. I was first introduced to Oso Buco in their Italian restaurant. Whenever it’s available on the menu now that is what I order. Oso Buco is one of Italy’s great gifts to civilization. 🙂

We had dinner mates on the Cape Horn cruise from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso who were from Slovakia. Both had worked for the USSR diplomatic service in Argentina during the days of the USSR. We called them Boris and Natasha. 🙂 Both spook good English and told us some interesting stories about the “bad old days.” We are still in touch with some people we’ve met on cruises.

If you want to try cruising, try a short cruise on a small ship (700 – 1100 pax) with an interesting itinerary. It might not be your cuppa, but you will have given it a try. And you might like it.

Apparently cruise ship companies move their boats from the Caribbean to Europe for the summer season. A friend got a ticket to ride on one of those. Great food, great ocean views and fresh air. No stops. Happy crew, no stress. Cheap(er) and not crowded. He and his wife loved it.
This was 10 years ago and things may have changed but …

My wife’s grandfather circumnavigated the globe on a sailing ship three times with the German navy. Would have been around 1910 – 1920(?). I can’t imagine what that must have been like. The world was much less disconnected then.

I find this 6 minute video of a tanker crossing the Pacific from Canada to Korea captivating: https://youtu.be/MJMoRd8QzFs