Cruising – part two

Readers may be interested in the process – or lack of it – by which copy finishes up on the National Rust. Any or all of us can contribute and the editor decides what makes it.

You might have thought this this would engender a competitiveness but on the contrary we are a collegiate lot. Personally, I often find an article of interest and yesterday’s on cruising of value too as I was in the process of booking a cruise.

I was by no means satisfied by the first cruise I went on and in the feedback made this clear.

I was offered a substantial discount towards my next one and was investigating one in the Mediterranean. I thought my views on cruising might be of interest.

The advantages are that you can see a new country with less strain and accompanied by an informed enrichment lecture.

Of all the Far East countries I visited I liked Vietnam the best but I doubt if I would have visited the place or appreciated it unless by cruise with an informed lecture on its history too.

It’s more enjoyable to arrive by sea than train, plane or car I also enjoyed the company of the cruise ship’s art curator, a fancy title for art dealer.

However the cons out weighed the pros.

The suites are small (mine 345 sq metres): it’s expensive as mine did not include flights: there is single supplement of 100%; there are high charges for Internet ($400 for 10 days).

Food and drink is included but that leads to gluttony and excessive bingeing: it’s formal with dress codes of black tie; its regimented: in conclusion I would say it does not suit everyone so it’s worth speaking to an experienced cruiser to work out if it suits you.

Purely personally, for example, I don’t want to be locked away at sea with rich oldies.

I pride myself that in spite of my age I can get on with people half my age with far less means. I don’t want to hear night after night about a deceased husband and recent illness from a wealthy widow in her sixties.