Norwegian Spirit

This is the oldest of the Norwegian Cruise Line Ships. Trying to maintain her proud heritage with scrupulous cleanliness and crews with shining smiles, there is still no covering up her age. Perhaps it is the fact that there are carpets that smell of cigarette smoke when it is damp? Ot that much of the decorations seem dated? I have been on older ships – Artemis and Voyager come to mind, but they seems aged, not worn out or fatigued.

In any case, it also might relate to the people who take this particular cruise. Unlike many ships which have a long or slightly varied route (one direction one week, reversal the next or two routes which alternate – this ship does the same route from New Orleans along the Yucatan coast and back. Week after week after week. Most of the crew seems to be on their first contract,

The guests, most of whom seem to be on a cruise for the first time, seem to be mostly interested in the “all you can eat” buffets. I still was not prepared for both the level of obesity that I knew existed in the US. Intellectually knowing about it is one thing and being confronted at every turn by individuals of half my age incapable of climbing stairs due to their weight is quite another.

I look at my plate in the morning – fresh fruit, bagel and cream cheese. I look at theirs heaped so high that I am afraid the grease is going to drive it over the edge before they manage to get to a table. It is why you will see I have made every possible effort to avoid having people in these photos.

This is also a low end cruise, which also might explain the number of people just thrilled with Bingo and the lack of quizzes and competitions related to any intellectual pursuits. And, if you are about to write me off as a snob – your choice. I don’t care what someone does for a living – what I do care about is people who can’t seem to take care of themselves, dress themselves in clothing that doesn’t leave large expanses of skin exposed to the elements (and my vision) and ride a scooter due to weight (not disability).

And it is not just me – the US Coast Guard has just changed their “average weight standards” to decrease the number of people allowed on boats, ferries and other water born transportation in order to accommodate the increasing size of the US population. I worry about having to use life boats. There might be the right number of seats for the number of passengers, but no way is everyone going to fit. That does make it my concern.

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6 Responses to Norwegian Spirit

  1. AlisonH says:

    My in-laws went on their first cruise a few years ago and were stunned at the obesity and the eating on display. Cruise ships are not representative of the rest of the US, if that helps any.

  2. Ann says:

    Oh oh…I hope you won’t hate me. We do NOT go on cruises because we don’t want to be exposed to the “all you can eat” buffets, be forced to wear skimpy clothes, etc. etc.

  3. Brad says:

    3 types of passengers on cruise ships:

    1. Newly wed

    2. Over fed

    3. Nearly dead

    I STILL like cruises! 🙂

  4. Helen says:

    Oh dear… you are making me feel anorexic!

  5. Cat says:

    They do not seem to have heard of portion control here in Australia either. I know I weigh more than I should but I think I look okay next any number of other people I know! The idea of having a mobility aid just because you are overweight horrifies me. I had better pedal further tomorrow. Trust you are otherwise enjoying it

  6. Diana says:

    Oh boy, yes, you must stick out 🙂 Or are there any more people who are
    reasonably weighted (is that the right word in that spot?)?

    It makes me sad for them, that they rather consider a stomach band to
    physically limit their food intake, than change the manner of eating.
    How much must they suffer spiritually to need so much “comfort food” and
    then adjust the portions they are eating instead of getting back to a
    healthy size portion.

    A spiral has been started and it is hard to get out of it again.

    I dont think, this is being snobbish to remark on it, it is rather the
    voice of concern 🙂

    So lets hope, you wont get into ship hazard and need the lifeboats.

    happy cruising 🙂

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