Embarking on an Exciting Journey

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Embarking on an Exciting Journey

When people think of cruise ships, they often picture a vacation for the older generation. However, for me, a 10-day adventure aboard the MSC Poesia with 13 family members was a chaotic yet delightful experience. At 1,000 feet long, the ship was spacious enough for everyone to relax and connect comfortably, but also just the right size to avoid unnecessary drama.

You might be wondering how I survived a trip with six cranky kids and seven not-so-cheerful adults. Honestly, I’m still not sure! But before you hop on your next cruise with your family, especially if you’re a Gen Z like me, consider a few things.

Internet on Board? Forget About It

Don’t expect to get any work done on the ship. I had hoped to finish some assignments while cruising, but the Wi-Fi was far from friendly. It felt like a guessing game, never knowing when you’d actually get a signal. A friendly tip: download all your Netflix shows before boarding because trust me, you’ll need them!

Activities Not Suitable for Our Age

A full day at sea is perfect for relaxing and reflecting on how your vacation is nearing its end. If you’re not lounging in bed with a cocktail shrimp, you’re clearly not doing it right. But if you’re like me and crave something a bit more engaging, the traditional onboard activities really need a refresh.

Activities like crafting cards or learning how to fold napkins with Grandma are so last decade. Instead, hitting the spa for some relaxation or trying your hand at something adventurous like darts sounds much more appealing. Honestly, the most exciting things on the schedule seemed to be playing bingo at 3 PM and joining a conga line that you didn’t even sign up for.

The Snack Habits of Different Generations

I was not prepared for the long excursions. After hours of exploring and searching for delicious bites, someone in the group is bound to get hungry. Luckily, in a family of 14, there’s always someone with a bag full of buffet snacks. Grandma and Grandpa each pulled out three boiled eggs, while Aunt and Uncle had bags filled with bread and croissants.

Not Everything is Free

It’s too good to be true! Some items you think would be complimentary come with a surprisingly high price tag. Sure, there’s free food at the buffet and complimentary drinks at the sink in your room (though I wouldn’t recommend drinking that), but don’t expect much else. To enjoy delicacies like lobster ($34 a serving) or bottled water, you’ll need to open your wallet. A little tip: buy the drink package for $18 a day for unlimited beverages from the buffet and bar, so you can indulge in fancy meals without worrying about costs.

Family Group Chats Can Be Overwhelming

There’s something quite military about receiving a message at 9 PM saying, “See you for breakfast at 8 AM.” You can’t escape it, especially when there are a dozen notifications from 13 other people liking the message. If you don’t want to disturb your neighbors, remember to silence your phone!

Are Cruises Really Suitable for Grandparents?

From the menu to the travel app everyone is required to download, it seems like it was designed for grandparents. In reality, using QR codes for menus and a travel app for notifications might make things more efficient, but when many passengers struggle with texting, it can become a hassle. Sometimes, just having the grandkids read the menu aloud is the best solution.

Trips Seem to Be Rushed

Don’t expect to explore too much. The entire trip felt a bit rushed from my perspective. At each destination, you only have about eight hours, and if everyone sticks to the schedule, that’s all the time you’ll get. If you plan on sleeping in, forget it. Most ports of call are around 8 AM, so unless you want to miss out on the sights, you’ll need to rise early. Despite the hustle and bustle, waking up in a different country each morning is still an amazing experience.

The Mini Mall on Board Needs a Makeover

Where else can you find random souvenirs if not at the mini mall on the ship? While it’s meant to be convenient, sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. Remember that the mini mall closes when the ship docks, and everything worth buying runs out after the fourth day. Don’t make the same mistake I did by forgetting to pack your phone charger from home and waiting until the last minute to buy one. Not only will the store be closed, but when it opens, they might not even have any left. So, remember, don’t forget your phone charger at home!

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