How to be Cultured on a Cruise
I took my one and only cruise in October 2010. It was a month until my 24th birthday so a friend and I decided to celebrate in style. There also happened to be a 75% on this particular cruise so we quickly booked.
For some reason, I always assumed I would like cruises but after just two days, I was ready to head back to port. However, here are a few tips for getting the most culture you can out of a cruise.
1) Take Advantage of Excursions
Our cruise was only a few days so we didn’t have too much time to explore. However, I made sure to book a Maya Ruin tour that took us to a few historical sites in Cozumel. Our guide was very informative and I learned more about the ancient Mayan traditions and their famous calendar.
2) Observe the Art Fair
Our boat had an art gallery where guests could browse through the international works and potentially win a painting during a bidding. I remember seeing a lot of different styles of art represented and there were some that definitely caught my eye.
3) Interact with Locals
We only had a few hours in Key West but we certainly made the most of it. Docking early in the morning, I was shocked by how many locals were already guzzling down beer at the nearby pubs. It was a short stop in Key West but I certainly was entertained by all the interesting people I met there.
4) Eat Traditional Food
Although Mexican food is pretty accessible anywhere in the US, eating Mexican food in Mexico is far times better than the average “cuisine” served on many cruise ships. I enjoyed trying a couple different flavors of margaritas and eating guacamole and chips to my heart’s content.
5) Use your Free Time to Reflect
When you are sailing from one destination to another, most people fill their days with tanning, eating or drinking. If your primary goals are to indulge and relax, then these options are perfectly fine. However, I recommend using the beautiful nature and the open sea to find inspiration within yourself and get creative. Whether it’s writing, taking photos or introspecting, it’s a great use of your downtime.
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22 Comments
We’re going on a cruise in April. I’ll remember those tips
Ana O’Reilly recently posted..Notes from a train ride in East Texas
Great!
Megan recently posted..How to be Cultured on a Cruise
I’m going on my first cruise in a few months to Alaska and with my parents, no less. Looks like you have some great advice here to make the most of it. I’ll definitely keep them in mind during the trip. Despite it all, I am looking forward to the cruise.
Sherry recently posted..“Snowshoeing in Paradise”
That sounds like a fun location for a cruise Sherry! Enjoy it
Megan recently posted..How to be Cultured on a Cruise
I’ve never really thought about going on a cruise – it just doesn’t appeal. Maybe I should give it a go to see what it’s like. Would you go again?
Laurence recently posted..Travel blogging tips from the experts: Hecktic Travels
haha no…I don’t think I would. We went on this one because of the crazy discount and because we needed a break but if I did go again I’d look for one a bit less touristy and more culture-focused.
Megan recently posted..How to be Cultured on a Cruise
Thank you for the great tips. You do such a great job with your blog.
I’m looking forwart to reading more.
Laura recently posted..A Photo Essay Of This Year’s Best Fallas
Thanks so much Laura!
Megan recently posted..How to be Cultured on a Cruise
Great tips for cruising!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Snapshot: A Vietnamese Marching Band of Children
Thanks Brock!
Megan recently posted..How to be Cultured on a Cruise
This is a good post because I have struggled with how to cruise and not seem like a uber-tourist. Good post, I enjoyed it!
Elise Walsh recently posted..Hong Kong on the Cheap
Thanks Elise!
Megan recently posted..How To Avoid Getting Homesick
Some good tips there
I feel like a cruise is best suited for people looking to have a *holiday* (i.e. relax, sunbathe, drink, swim etc) than for people looking to *travel* (sightsee, experience a different culture etc), but it’s all what you make of it and you offer some useful advice for getting the culture out of the experience!
Wanderplex recently posted..In Pictures: Montserrat, Spain
I agree! Not sure I will go on one of these again
Megan recently posted..Orlando for the Kid at Heart
We did a 12 day Cruise once and I really appreciated the 2 day at sea. Really had a chance to explore the ship, see the stores and gallery and enjoy the amenities. Definitely a good time to reflect too.
btw- that chips and salsa/ guacamole looks amazingly delicious!!
Kieu recently posted..7 Reasons to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with Calypso!
haha it was really good! A 12 day cruise sounds like just the right amount of time on and off the ship. Mine was only a few days and too short in my opinion.
Megan recently posted..Foodie Guide to Hawaii
I’ve never really considered taking a cruise…. although I have considered working on one. Im afraid of getting sea sick though
Jade – OurOyster.com recently posted..I Want To ‘Go With Oh’ To Prague
I thought about working on one too but alas never did
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Galveston Island
Glad you found ways to survive a cruise.
I haven’t been on one yet as they don’t really appeal to my style of travel but good tips!
cheryl recently posted..Roman Architecture At The Girona Cathedral.
Thanks Cheryl! Not sure I’ll be going on another one
Megan recently posted..Feeling Famous in Bogota
I love this post! We recently posted “10 Reasons to Never Cruise Again” and received some pretty negative reactions. I like your positive spin on what cruises typically lack. I admit, the authenticity and culture can be found, but you have to work for it. Thank you for the reminder!
Katie recently posted..A Little Wanderlust to Get You Through
haha – I’ll have to check that one out Katie!