It’s an early August morning, before the sun has peaked it’s head above the horizon. I’m sitting on the port side of a large cruise ship, sneaking up on Grand Cayman Island. In the distance, I can now make out a spattering of lights along the shore of the small island. As we inch closer to the lights, I can start to see a vague outline of land. It doesn’t take long until the first hint of light starts to reveal a large cloud bank over the eastern waters. Fifteen minutes ago, very few of the almost 3,000 passengers were out of their cabins. Now, it seems like every where I look there is a grumpy 8-year-old upset because he can’t get what he wants for breakfast, even though I can’t think of anything they DON’T have. The peaceful quiet has rapidly turned into a rumbling den of activity. The quiet, realaxing music has morphed into a thumping combination of rap and reggae. I’m not sure if the reggae is because of our location, or just an extension of the rap-heavy influence of the crowd on the boat.

I have to say, though, that there are many options available for “people like me”. We had a time listening to a solo guitarist the past two days with real musical talent, literate while vocally and instrumentally gifted. Also, a piano bar sing-along last evening was loads of fun. A production show of Motown hits again revealed talented people, filling their mission of audience involvement and entertainment. Traveling with a recently-turned 21-year-old, it is tough to avoid trying to keep up with him. He wants to be on the go, seeing everything including the casino and every bar on the boat. I quickly realize that age demands moderation, and I am definitely older than on my last cruise. Finding a quiet spot to read, away from the “thumpers”, has been a challenge. We also enjoyed the “Dive-in Movies” on the large deck. The screen and sound system were impressive, even from near the back of the deck. A really cool experience.

It has been a while since I was on a cruise (13 years or so). Our last one was with Royal Carribean on the Navigator of the Seas. While I think the boat size and passenger capacity was similar, the Carnival ship seems much more crowded. Maybe it’s the younger crowd. Maybe it’s the unsupervised teenagers roaming in packs. Maybe it’s my age and growing intolerance of rudeness. But it seems like the crowds close in on you much more than on other cruises I’ve taken. Maybe there should be more supervision or policing of the open areas.  For instance, I ran on the fitness track several times during the cruise and every time there were people standing on the ‘fitness” track smoking though one deck below is a designated smoking area. It’s hard enough to breath while exercising, much more so when running through clouds of smoke. I realize that anywhere you run you have the potential of smoking in your path, but when in an enclosed environment, it could be better monnitored.

I do not remember standing in long lines for food like we did on this cruise. I tried several timing and location options, but it seems that unless rising very early, there was always a long line for breakfast. Lunch was better, and dinners went very smoothly in the dining rooms. The staff in the dining rooms was excellent, making recommendations and taking care of us very well. We enjoyed the dinners and thought the quality and portions were well done. The stewards also treated us very well. There is something soothing about being greeted by name every time you walk down the hallway. They took care of every little detail and when we had issues in our cabins (few and minor) they were addressed very quickly and to out satisfaction.

Shore excursions were fun. We were able to taste a little of the Caribbean culture in the Caymans, Belize, and Mexico. Some of the best moments were tucked away from the crowds, eating in small outdoor cantinas. These alone made the trip memorable. Snorkeling, shopping, touring, and cave tubing were all activities that will be remembered fondly. Even the bus rides through tiny streets and alleys in Belize were interesting with continuous narration of our native guide.

Don’t misread me…I enjoyed the trip. I wonder if this may be the last chance we have for just the four of us to get away for family time. As the kids face completion of grad school and college, we may not get this kind of opportunity again. When Gena and I plan our next getaway, I doubt we consider a cruise. I think that the next time I’ll pick a destination and fly there directly. That way, the only rude person we have to endure is me.