WANT TO TAKE A CRUISE??

I've always stayed away from big megaships; when they have problems, they're always mega-trouble. Besides, why go on a ship that's bigger than many towns when it's better to have the freedom to go to any restaurant of your choice without worrying about sewage smell?

definitely not the same interviewees I heard. They consistently praised the staff and had vile things to say about Carnival.

Several said they'd be giving the money they got from Carnival to the crew. I hope they walk the talk on that.

have you ever taken a boat trip on a cargo freighter ?

No, but I wish I had. I heard nothing but good reports from people who have.
My cruising is usually with Oceania and Grand Circle Travel (rated #1 according to Conde Nast), and river boats that I'll be on in late March to Portugal and Spain on AMA Cruises - on a wine cruise.

Cargo ship trips are more of a detination event. My wifes sister and family have always done like "banana boat" trips and the ships that large fruit companies have are quite palatial. They only carry about 30 passengers in really nice state rooms and usually the tips are to central America and South A,merica.

We looked at taking a trip on the "Star Hardanger" (it hauls fibreboard and wood products to Aisa). However, just bfore that, I got roaring sick on the "Cat" between Bar Harbor MAine and Nova Scotia,

Too bad, farmerman! I wouldn't mind those "destination" cruises where one can spend a few more days at the destination to really explore it. The only drawback that I can see is trying to find a travelmate who's willing to go on such a cruise. I can travel independently, but at my "age," I prefer to travel with another person for safety's sake.

I recently completed a health survey provided by Kaiser Permanente, and the results shows I'm on the lower end of "excellent." I guess my lifestyle isn't too bad as far as diet and exercise in concerned, and I still try to walk for over 30-minutes every day. I walked 3.3 miles yesterday.