Newbie Questions

*bicker* wrote in message ...

We're active people (though not athletes), so one focus of
concern is how we can stay active while on a cruise
vacation. (Just for comparison, on previous vacations, we
hiked the Great Smokeys of Tennessee and the White Mountains
of New Hampshire, but we didn't do any really difficult
ascents, and we don't get into the whole rugged,
outdoors-overnight scene.)

You sound very similar to my husband and me. We tend to pick the more
active excursions, and when we're not cruising, we're usually doing
something involving the outdoors - hiking, paddling, etc.

We note that many of the ports-of-call have available
excursions that include some level of physical activity, and
so it seems that we can get some satisfaction in that
direction.

Absolutely. We've taken sea kayaking excursions, snorkeling, horseback
riding, etc. You will definitely be able to get some level of exercise
satisfaction if you pick the right excursion. Or, better yet, explore
booking a tour independently, where you can customize your tour to
suit your needs and desires.

Also, most of the big ships have at least some
significant level of exercise facilities (besides
play-pools, which isn't what we're looking for in terms of
physical activity).

Yes. Some kind of weight-machine system, free weights and cardio
machines (which you may have to sign up for) plus various fitness
classes.

Though, it seems some have invested a
lot of money in specific facilities that we aren't likely to
use (rock walls, ice skating rinks), so it makes me wonder
if they've invested so much in these things that we'll find
other options lacking.

I think these add-ons (climbin wall, skating rink) are in addition to,
not instead of the regular workout facility. So, I wouldn't be too
concerned about facilities being lacking on the ships that have these
extra features.

We've surfed a few of the web sites, most notably Royal
Caribbean. Princess won't share the secret of how much
their cruises cost online, so I'm wondering if that's a
warning sign. Is the industry actually structured so that
you cannot comparison shop, without commiting yourself to a
travel agent?

Pre-shop at some of the big travel sites (Orbitz, Travelocity, etc.)
to get a ballpark idea on pricing. Then , talk to a local
cruise-specialist travel agent. Or, if you feel comfortable booking
online, I'd highly recommend buycruises.com. They will also offer you
a price - no strings attached. You once you ask for a bid, you're
emailed a contact name and phone number, so they're very easy to
contact and work with. They will always have the opportunity to bid
for any future cruises I take.

We're flying from Boston, so we've been focusing on cruises
from Miami or San Juan.

Or Fort Lauderdale??? Lots of ships leave from there, ad it's much
more pleasant coming and going from FLL than from MIA.

So, what is it that we don't know? What should we be
worried and concerned about? How should we approach this
new type of vacation?

You should approach it with an open mind. You might not hit on the
perfect cruise ship match your first time out, but all cruises have
the potential to be great. So much of your good time is dependent on
your attitude. If you allow every little thing that may go wrong ruin
your good time, then it will. If you're able to overlook trivial
stuff, then you'll be good to go.

Lee

A 7 Jun 2004 06:57:07 -0700, (Lee)
escribió:
Cut yourself some slack - it's vacation!!!

I'm not sure that that is good advice. Exercise and food
discipline, especially for folks with a history of weight
problems (which now represents about 70% of Americans), is
very important to maintain, even while vacationing.
Research shows that "taking a break" is a leading indicator
of weight re-gain.

When on vacation, I forget work, not life.


--
bicker®
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/D...ry_040602.html

*bicker* wrote in message ...
A 7 Jun 2004 06:57:07 -0700, (Lee)
escribió:
Cut yourself some slack - it's vacation!!!

I'm not sure that that is good advice. Exercise and food
discipline, especially for folks with a history of weight
problems (which now represents about 70% of Americans), is
very important to maintain, even while vacationing.
Research shows that "taking a break" is a leading indicator
of weight re-gain.

When on vacation, I forget work, not life.

It's easy for me to stick with my routing when I'm home. I don't keep
tempting foods in the house or my office and I have my gym routine
that works well with my schedule. But, on vacation, my schedule's
different, my activity level's different, my surroundings are
different...it just wouldn't be much of a vacation for ME if I
constantly had to deal with depriving myself of all the goodies around
me. You don't have to go crazy, but treating yourself during the
cruise really isn't going to have much of an effect in the long
run...at least it hasn't with me. Sure, "taking a break" means I gain
a few pounds on the cruise. Back home, anything I've gained is gone
within a week to ten days, once I'm back on my home routine of eating
and exercising. To me, allowing myself forbidden foods on a cruise is
part of the vacation.

Of course, if you know that dipping into forbidden foods will knock
you off course for the long haul, then I 'd say it's a bad idea.

Lee

My wife and I are both fortysomething also and we've booked through
Carnival 4 different times now. Yes Carnival has a reputationas a party
atmosphere but that is only if you want to get into that type of thing.
What we like about Carnival is that you can be as laid back or as crazy
as you want to be. I guess thats why they call them the funships.

Steve Kim wrote:

What we like about Carnival is that you can be as laid back or as
crazy as you want to be. I guess thats why they call them the
funships.

Steve, I agree with you. You can stay up all night and party or you can
find a quiet spot to read a book. Most of the time I am reading a book,
but it is nice to have the option.

Becca -----too old to kick up my heels but likes to have fun...

Sleazy3 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy3.htm
MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/
Miracle in May http://www.cruisemaster.com/miracle.htm

Becca wrote:

Steve Kim wrote:

What we like about Carnival is that you can be as laid back or as
crazy as you want to be. I guess thats why they call them the
funships.


Steve, I agree with you. You can stay up all night and party or you can
find a quiet spot to read a book. Most of the time I am reading a book,
but it is nice to have the option.

Is that whay we see so little of each other when we cruise Carnival
together, Becca? LOL

Howie


Becca -----too old to kick up my heels but likes to have fun...

Sleazy3 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy3.htm
MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/
Miracle in May http://www.cruisemaster.com/miracle.htm

Howie wrote:

Is that whay we see so little of each other when we cruise Carnival
together, Becca? LOL

We rarely see each other because you are always in the gym. This is why
your body is so lean and muscular and mine isn't. Maybe I should join
you in the gym.

Becca -----has buns of steel (with plenty of marshmallow on it)...

Sleazy3 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy3.htm
MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/
Miracle in May http://www.cruisemaster.com/miracle.htm

Becca wrote:

Howie wrote:

Is that whay we see so little of each other when we cruise Carnival
together, Becca? LOL


Maybe I should join
you in the gym.

Cool; but I'd rather you come to the disco, Becca.

Howie