We are taking our 1st cruise out of Norfolk,Va on the Victory, 10/11-13/08. It's a Cruise to Nowhere. Could anyone tell us what it's like? Will there be a formal night, and does it really whet your appetite for a longer cruise?
I myself wanted to experience what a cruise was like (before ever considering a cruise of any length) and did a one-nighter out of NY last September on the Norwegian Spirit. It certainly did whet my appetite, and I have since booked and cruised on the Caribbean Princess for nine days, and loved every minute of it.
I had great weather, smooth sailing both times. That's the risk we take and that could (I think) make or break your opinion on ever cruising again.
No formal night was offered on the NCL. Stay up as long as you can, have fun and sleep it off when you get home. Certainly a great way to experience what a "real" cruise would feel like. You should note that on one-nighters, they do try to push the drinks on you more than usual is what I experienced. Also, you might experience lines and crowds at the discos and casino. We had problems getting into both. This will not happen on a regular cruise (at least as far as I know). Good Luck and Enjoy!!!
The first cruiseship I ever stepped foot on was as a child in the late 60s. The original Queen Elizabeth was berthed at Port Everglades as a tourist attraction and you could tour the ship. I was awe struck at the size and beauty of this magnificent ship.
Then in the late 70's, Love Boat era. I went as a teenager to Seattle on vacation and they had the sister to the Love Boat, I think it was the original Island Princess at the time. It was doing day trips between Seattle and Vancouver. We took the ship across and then back the next day. This was more of a ferry service than an actual cruise. Seems a shame now that such a great ship was so under utilized back then to serve as a ferry for a time. That got me hooked on being aboard a ship, even for such a brief time without any amenities or even a state-room.
My brother and I later took jobs working the intercoastal waterways on a barge line, me for the summer and he stayed for several years and made a career of it for a time. We both love the water and if you get me on a ship of any kind to anywhere I'm a very happy guy. After working barges in 12 hour shifts seven days a week for 30 day stretches, I empathize with the crew more than most and defend the gratuity system often on here. I didn't work for tips but can certainly understand how it feels to work long hours away from home and feel you've earned your pay. Sorry for the thread drift, just wanted to give some perspective to why I feel so strongly about the staff being rewarded for their hard work.
I have done several cruises-to-nowhere. I enjoy them because it gets me back on a ship, and often a chance to see a new ship. They will bring out the best menus on these cruises. They are packed with lots of activities. Some people will dress up, and some will not. These cruises are designed to give first timers a sampling so you'll come home and book a longer cruise.
We have cruised many times but the Crusie to No where out of Norfolk fits the bill for several girls from work. We'll have a girls get away and have a blast. We can even get to the cruise right after work and not even take a day's vacation. How esay is that!
All the more reason. I cruised once out of Newport News back in 1999. The Victory is a nice ship. Sometimes those 1nt and 2nt can be a little pricey. I've seen 3nt cruises just as cheap. But the cruises-to-nowhere are a lot of fun, but over to fast!
We've done a few CTNs, most recently in May 2008. CruiseFanatic is right -- they go by so quickly! I put it into my mind that it is the last sea day of a longer cruise in order to get through the short time onboard.
All of my CTNs were on ships that had been in service for years, just as Carnival Victory. You'll find a variety of folks on board. Some treat it as a party cruise (OK--more than "some"), while others (like myself) are more content to explore the ship and enjoy good meals and being at sea. On the meals -- while Carnival Victory has a very good buffet area, I encourage you to have at least one of your breakfasts or lunches in the dining room.
There were no designated formal nights on our CTNs, although some pax got a more dressed up for the second night.
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Originally posted by cruisingsoon: I had great weather, smooth sailing both times. That's the risk we take and that could (I think) make or break your opinion on ever cruising again.
This is SO true. Our last CTN coincided with bad weather, and some pax got grumpy. Some vowed they'd never cruise again...they don't know what they're missing.
We are doing a Cruise to Nowhere in Sept. out of NYC on the NCL Spirit. My No. 1 is slowly recovering form a serious car accident and it is one of the "picker uppers' to encourage her to getting back on her "sea legs"-All of our cruise friends, from other cruises will be joining us-if we can't get together for a longer cruise-we will still do a cruise together! Cruising is always the best medicine!
I cruised once out of Newport News back in 1999. The Victory is a nice ship. Sometimes those 1nt and 2nt can be a little pricey. I've seen 3nt cruises just as cheap. But the cruises-to-nowhere are a lot of fun, but over to fast!
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