Do you have pet peeves! I do. One is the way cruising is presented in TV ads. You see a guy walking solo among ancient ruins. You see a couple dancing on an empty dance floor. You see a pair of passengers strolling along an empty deck. Then you see a shot of a gigantic cruise ship floating on a perfect blue ocean. That ship holds thousands of passengers! How did this couple create these private moments?
Passengers on large cruise ships know you stand on long lines at embarkation. You stand in long lines to go ashore. You are often part of large tour groups. You are part of a crowd heading into the dining room. The dance floor is packed. Where can you find privacy for those tender moments?
Although the TV ads are set up with actors, there are ways you can create those private moments when there are only the two of you. Let us look at several:
- Pay to play. Asian cities are crowded. Years ago, a local resident told us: “If you want privacy, find someplace where you need to pay more admission.” This rule applies to cruise ships too. Your ship might carry thousands, but only a small proportion will pay to use the spa services. They might have a meditation area or hydrotherapy pool. There should be few people around.
- Rentable cabanas. Holland America is one line that has individual rentable tented cabanas in an area of the ship called The Retreat. You get loungers, towels and, most important, privacy. Others might be renting cabanas, but yours belongs to you. Susprise your partner with lunch by disappearing off to the buffet restaurant.
- The hot tubs. This might seem to be the busiest part of the ship. Every time you want to go, there are other people who got there first! What can you do? The answer is easy: “Be the first.” Find out what time the staff pulls off the netting and turns on the hot tub every morning. Get there immediately.
- Your private balcony. This seems obvious, but it is worth mentioning. Those TV ads often show a couple sipping champagne at the ship’s rail. You can do this too. Your balcony is always your own personal space.
- Book a private shore excursion. The ship offers them. They are expensive. Your travel agent might be able to get a better deal by booking directly. The tourism office onshore might be able to arrange it for you. This tour is you and your driver. They know the island.
- Rent bicycles or mopeds. Motorized scooters are part of Bermuda’s identity. Plenty of places that rent bicycles. You and your partner rent a pair and go exploring. Remember to get back before the ship sails.
- Head out on deck under the stars. Cruise ships are floating resorts. They come alive at night. There are live shows. The theater has a film. The casino is open. A dozen bars are pouring drinks. There is plenty to do. Head to an upper desk with a walkaround promenade. The temperature has dropped, so bring a scarf or light jacket. You should see few if any other people.
- Go for an early morning walk. Everyone is on vacation. People tend to wake up later. Does the sun come up early? Dress appropriately and walk (or jog) around the promenade deck. There will be others, but not too many.
- Stay onboard or a port day. Most of the other passengers will be ashore. You will have large areas of the ship to yourselves. The sun shining on the shore excursions in the same sun shining by the outdoor pools. Finding a deck chair should be easy.
- Dine at a table for two. You can request the dining arrangements you choose. Does your ship have freedom dining? Set up the arrangements ahead of time and surprise your partner. Let the dining room staff know you would like your table in a secluded area.
- Are there box seats in the theater? Some ships have them. You book an area that seats two or four people comfortably. It usually has its own door or curtain. It’s just the two of you. There is probably a charge, but it is worth it.
- Visit the jewelry shop. You have seen this before. There are thousands of people onboard, but the jewelry shop is always empty! OK, they will try to sell you something, but you can explain you are looking.
- Have breakfast in bed. Before you turn in, you can fill out the paper tag to hand on your door. This is your breakfast order. No wakeup call is needed. The knock on your door is your alert that one of you needs to grab the robe and the other stays under the covers.
- Book the caviar and champagne experience. This fits into the “If it costs money, there will be few people there.” You have a table reserved for you in the appropriate cocktail lounge. No one will be seated with you. Your caviar service and half bottle of champagne arrive. It’s a wonderful indulgence.
Even on a mega ship, there are ways you can enjoy private moments together.
Editor’s Notes:
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cover photo Half Moon Cay, credit Bryce Sanders
