I tricked my husband into taking a cruise, and here's how it went. It's no secret that husbands and cruising don't always go hand in hand. As a former travel editor, I've witnessed this phenomenon firsthand. But, I've also played my part in changing that narrative.
There are two distinct types of husbands when it comes to cruising. The first type is the natural-born sailor, who sees himself as a dashing 007 of the high seas. They're up early, hitting the gym or strolling the decks with purpose. They're the helpful souls you encounter in the coffee line, grabbing an espresso for their sleeping spouse, all while juggling laundry and other tasks. These husbands are the epitome of cruise readiness.
Then, there are the MIA (Missing in Action) husbands. My husband used to be one of them. They steadfastly refuse to cruise, offering excuses like 'I'm too busy with work' or 'I'm just not a cruise person.' It's a common trend, as travel surveys consistently show that women make up the majority of travel decisions, with around 80% of family travel plans initiated by women.
However, a recent survey by Cruise Compete revealed a shift. Men are increasingly becoming cruise enthusiasts, accounting for approximately 45% of cruise passengers. This trend is particularly notable among men, with 74% expressing a growing interest in ocean cruises. As a travel writer, I take pride in my role in this transformation.
My husband's cruise journey began with a Seabourn cruise around Scotland. I convinced him (okay, tricked him) to join a leg of the Seabourn Ovation cruise from Newcastle upon Tyne, up the Scottish coast, and over to Bremerhaven in Germany. Initially, he grumbled, but by day two, he was hooked. He admitted, 'This makes travel feel very easy.'
The cruise's appeal was clear: unpack once, wake up to new ports each day, walk into town from the ship, and enjoy local dishes on board. By day four, his laptop remained tucked away, and work became a distant memory. By day eight, I was considering adding 'Husband Bonus Points' to the Seabourn Club loyalty scheme, as he was a changed man.
He made new Danish friends at trivia, expressed interest in a haggis cooking demonstration, and even got the hang of smart-casual attire. He was popular with the crew, and the musical duo in the Observation Bar named him their favorite listener. His transformation was complete when he asked about my dinner outfit, ensuring it was 'dressy enough.'
Fast forward to today, and I've successfully lured him aboard the Star Princess to sail Alaska for a week. He's already expressed his preference for a double-shot flat white and secured a seat in the tender for me. Mission accomplished, my dear husband.
This experience highlights the power of personal experiences in changing perspectives. It's fascinating to see how a cruise can transform a husband's outlook, making him a willing participant in future travel adventures.
