Well, Lorraine has returned from doing something she swore many years ago she would NEVER do again- she’s speaking of a “Holiday” Cruise!

Shock! It was very enjoyable! Just goes to show that one should not be totally turned-off by one very disappointing experience. Lorraine chronicled her “Cruise from Hell” several years ago when onboard a thirteen-day Christmas/New Year adventure when the ship was literally overrun with unruly, ill-behaved children.

Yes – there were a lot of “munchkins” aboard this one, but they were for the most part very pleasant to be around. Kudos to their parents!

The ship was beautifully decorated, and the holiday spirit was alive! There were special events for families, most often staged in the ship’s “Centrum” area, while leaving several quiet venues available for those who chose not to participate.

In other words, there was something for everyone! The bars and lounges were generally kid-free after 9P.M. – there was no chaos in the dining room – the elevator buttons were not pushed for every level – there was no running through the passageways – no unescorted 5-year olds on the outside decks – none of the general confusion that essentially made the earlier cruise such an unpleasant experience as to warrant a “NEVER AGAIN!”

In retrospect, Lorraine has learned a very valuable lesson – she is left to reflect (regretfully) on all the potentially enjoyable (and MISSED) opportunities for cruising during the Holidays.

Her new mantra has become “all cruises are different – none are the same” – go – enjoy – and most importantly NEVER SAY NEVER – it may end up being your loss!