Mrs Moose,

A lot of the problems, I have observed, come from short cruises.
There is a sence of urgency not found on longer trips. <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" />

When I went from 7 to 10 to 21 and 28 days I found an entrely different experience. One filled with calm and enjoyment. :cool:

I found too than on longer cruises the food gets better aws the staff dosent have to re-stock and turn the ship every few days. That is an exahusting process and ity takes its toll on crew and passengers alike. <img border="0" alt="[bang]" title="" src="graemlins/banghead.gif" />

A seven day trip is way too short to fully appreciate the ship experience.

As for rudeness..The longer the cruise the nicer the folks... even the rude ones mellow with time...well most do. I have decided on nothing less than 21 days and am looking foward to a 34 days with 14 ports.

You might have been more rested and able to enjoy both the ports as well as life aboard if you took those ports over 10 to 12 days . Gives you time to anticipate each, and then experience and finaly reflect after woth out having another port thrown in your face. :rolleyes:

I was a double type A <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" /> who found the ocean times to be refreshing. I am one who is on the ship to enjoy the experience and savor the time spent in meals... to linger....to do nothing or everything without a fast pace. :cool:

I don't care for the port a day stuff. I enjoy having a port every 2 or 3 days. And love the few 5 and 6 day stretches between LA and the Marquesas... gives me a sence or space and perspective on life and the world that few palces if any can offer.

But I realize It is not for everyone...... You have to enjoy time as a friend not a adversary .

Try a longer trip with fewer gotta' do's. Let you tell time what to do rather than it you. ;)