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:

  • 28 (including me) responding to the questions

  • 21 have been, 7 (including me) have not.

  • Of the 21, 15 liked it, and 6 didn’t (some answers were a bit ambivalent, so I made a judgment call)

  • 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.

  • @Zarxrax
    21•9 months ago

    I read the whole article, and I’m just confused. I didn’t really see much actual criticism of the cruise itself, just a rant from some guy who went on a cruise that he clearly never wanted to be on in the first place. It reminds me of being a teenager and having to go on vacation with my family, and just wishing I could be doing literally anything else.

    I’ve been on a cruise once. To Alaska. It was a smaller cruise ship, though I still would have thought it was huge, had I not seen other ships 4 times it’s size docked next to it.

    It was a fun experience. I got to enjoy seeing a lot of cool places in Alaska, got to eat at a free buffet anytime I wanted, and even had my first fine dining experience. There were shows and fun activities to take part in. I also got a nice deal on it. I’m far from rich, but it was a really fun and reasonably priced vacation for me. I’ll probably go on another cruise some day.