One of these days, maybe one soon, we're going to go on a cruise and see how little we can do. It's not really our style, but maybe it's our vicarious wish.
That's one of the beauties of taking a cruise. You have options. Participate in as many activities as you can, or as few. We often tell friends who have never been on one that you don't have to succumb to all the features cruise lines use to sell you on being there in the first place. It's one of the few times in life where, really, you're in control.
Always anxious to find ways to make their ships into floating entertainment centers, cruise lines continually come up with what you don't expect on a ship because, for one thing, they want to attract passengers young and old, fit for fat, rich or poor. They want everybody.
So…
You can zipline, if that's your thing, or you can read a book (there's even a library).
You can dress up for meals at expensive and expansive restaurants, or you can dress down and eat at the cafeteria.
You can drop at seemingly supersonic speed down a chute they call a waterside, or you can sit by the pool and fall asleep.
You can party until the bars close and the music dies, or you can relax on your balcony while the sun sets.
You can get that cardiovascular workout at the gym, or you can practice your putting.
You can sit in the sea of activity that's on every cruise ship, or you can find a quiet spot on the deck where there is nobody.
You can go onshore and visit the locals on the way to taking a shore excursion, or you can stay on the ship and soak up the views.
After all, it is your cruise so you should do whatever you makes you happy, whatever makes it a good vacation for you.
Even if that's nothing.
Today at Phil Reimer's portsandbows.com: Un-Cruising and wine on the river
Norwegian Sky
4 nights
September 8, 2014
Miami (return): Grand Bahama, Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay
Inside: $169
Cost per day: $42
www.ncl.com