Would you go on a cruise?

Traditionally, flying was my mode of choice. Only recently did I consider a cruise.

Less a passenger, more the voyager; the excitement of approaching a historic port, or seeing a coastline come into view is enticing. Following the onboard moving map display, as the ship charts its course through the Strait of Gibraltar.

If it's not the destination, but the journey that counts with you; travel by ship is worth considering. Spanning the ocean fathoms at a time, in tens of knots, governed by winds and tide.


By contrast, flying is a dramatic change of place. Opening God's window on the world; and the herculean feat of trading topographies and culture.
Columbus knew the ocean was vast. But its sheer volume couldn't be understood in a single glance.
From 40, 000 ft its mirrored blue still takes 5 hours to cross, at 150 times his speed. But the edges of continents, and his New World, are plainly visible.
Occasionally, a white thread adrift below gives the only indication of angry seas.

The amenities of a cruise are attractive. As are the activities; but the cons of being closely confined appear as soon as incident or illness occur, or a mishap at sea.

Good luck in your decision.