So I saw THIS Atlantic article linked on Bluesky and I found myself conflicted, nodding in agreement with almost everything the author wrote, yet simultaneously thinking he sounded exhausting and pretentious himself.
It made me think though, that while this absolutely jibes with everything I’ve thought after hearing from my acquaintances who have gone on them – and from extrapolating based on my own understanding of their personalities – I’ve never really asked “peers” what they think. Have you been? How was it? Why would you agree to be trapped inside a compacted hotel where you will literally die if you leave at the wrong time?
…also I didn’t think I could post the link in [email protected]
EDIT:
After 44 comments, here’s where we stand:
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28 (including me) responding to the questions
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21 have been, 7 (including me) have not.
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Of the 21, 15 liked it, and 6 didn’t (some answers were a bit ambivalent, so I made a judgment call)
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Of the 7, 5 didn’t think they’d like it and 2 implied they might in very specific circumstances. I guess technically I could make 3, but I don’t really want to “camp” on a personal family history reenactment.
So, of those who have been, the vast majority saw value in it. The people who haven’t been either know themselves or have some serious sour grapes; I choose to believe it’s the former, for completely scientifically objective reasons.
Never been and zero inclination to go on an ocean cruise for the reasons you mentioned and anecdotal horror stories I’ve heard- but I am intrigued by river cruises. With those you can spend time on the boat but also pretty frequent stops and if anything goes sideways you’ve got land on either side.
My very nerdy uncle and his even nerdier wife did a Viking cruise. They liked it. I am told it’s basically still very cramped and full of old people, but there’s a distinctly lower number of MAGA hats.
Not zero MAGA hats, mind you, but fewer.