Feeling slightly annoyed. One of the attractions of this cruise was how easy and relaxing it’s supposed to be. Quite unlike a WDW vacation that requires military planning.
But because they have hugely increased passenger numbers there are all sorts of things that suddenly require you to move fast or you miss out.
For example they have added a couple of Cirque du Soleil style shows. These are paid-for extras. People who’ve been say they’re really excellent. You’re supposed to be able to pre-book them online, but MSC uses the same people (apparently) for their tech as Disney. Literally no-one has managed to book. So you have to do it onboard. In a mad rush because the theatre it’s in is small (it’s not the main one) and the passenger numbers are huge.
I booked the “fun pass”, which gives me onboard credit for various paid-for activities. One is ten pin bowling. Apparently you can only reserve a slot the day before and it’s almost impossible to do so because it’s wildly popular and there are only two lanes, one of which — I assume — is closed because of COVID.
I’ve pre-paid for some speciality dining. Again, reservations can only be made onboard and, again, it’s wildly popular so they’re hard to come by.
I’ve already started thinking that I’ll have to get up early to rope-drop the hot tubs before dashing off for breakfast before the crowds — and lines — appear.
Ugh.
There are times when I think I’ll just lock myself in my room and order (free) room service and stare at the sea from my balcony. I’ll only emerge during the early hours of the morning to walk round the ship when everyone else is in bed.
You’re not taking into account the fact that I’m, you know, crazy.
I will enjoy it. The ship looks awesome. I’m excited about some of the food options. I’m excited about the (free) very expensive drinks I’ll be drinking. I’m excited about the cabin and my balcony. I will get some hot tub action.
Everything else is gravy. I’m a major sufferer of FOMO. If I get zero theatre action I don’t think I’ll really care. Ten pin bowling on my own might not be as much fun as I think it’s going to be.
And if the COVIDness of it all freaks me out there are ways to be (over)cautious and still have a good time.
Regular readers may know that I get like this before big trips away. It’s at least in part something to do with crippling guilt at leaving Calvin for a week and a bit.
Before my last WDW trip I ended up in the ER because my eye went weird. And the trip before that I had a panic attack in the airport hotel the night before my flight and seriously considered driving straight home.
I’m randomly remembering the first time I went to DLP. I was in my early 20s and was going on my own, obviously.
Anyhoo, on the morning I was due to head to London for the Eurostar to Paris, I had some weird muscular thing happen that felt like I was paralysing myself. I was genuinely worried that I wouldn’t be able to take the trip because I would be able to physically make it to the train.
There is actually something quite wrong with me. I should be studied.
Matt - How are things looking for your cruise? Have you heard reports from those onboard that are making you excited? I hope you will let us know how it goes! But … no expectations … still waiting to hear how the Natives did on your birthday theme park trip … but don’t worry about us.
