Day 29: Cruise Ship Ecosystem: A Field Guide

When swimming in the ecosystem of a cruise ship, you encounter a wide variety of "fish in the pond." As a diligent observer, I try to categorize each species. Here are my findings:  

Fish in restaurant GOSCH Sylt
The Professionals  
Young urban professional couples with no time to organize an individual trip. They just want to relax and soak up the sun for a few days. These cruisers could just as easily be lounging at a luxurious hotel but have chosen the cruise for its convenience and variety.

The Merry Widow  / Cougar  
(more on cougars: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/cougar)
Single, middle-aged women—widowed or divorced—looking for a stage to shine. They often form little schools of like-minded companions. Their favorite dress often have leopard patterns. Often overlapping

The Compulsory Dancer
Often women who still see themselves as disco queens, unaware that time has marched on. Look for them in front of the live band, where they enthusiastically dominate the scene. 
 
The Sad Widower  
Single, middle-aged men—widowed or divorced. Surprisingly hard to find on board. Perhaps they prefer the local pub back home, enjoying the company of old buddies instead.  

The Lonesome Senior  
Older women, likely with few close friends at home. They enjoy joining groups to chat, connect, and escape the loneliness. Cruises offer them an easy, safe, and structured way to travel. 
  
The Professional Cruisers  
Older couples who’ve toured the world via cruise ships. They've spent fleeting hours in countless countries but still have a bucket list, often including New Zealand and Antarctica. You’ll find them on the sunset deck sipping exotic cocktails or champagne, swapping stories of ticked-off destinations and near-misses on tour buses.  

The Wannabe Cruisers  
People who’ve dreamed of a cruise for years and finally made it happen. Frequently found near the pool or in the buffet restaurant, often overlapping with...  

The Pool Group  
Large families or groups of friends, soaking in the sun, enjoying unlimited food and drinks, and bringing their own comedy to the pool area. They thrive on the lively atmosphere and are often the heart of the party.  

The Happy Dancers  
Retired couples reliving the memories of their youth, or filling gaps that the daily routine left in their early lives. Or couple that met late in their lives. Every night, they take to the dance floor, reviving their early romance before the final curtain call.  

Family with young kids
Cruising is popular among parents with kids below 8 years because kids and child care are all inklusive. Parents usually gather at the shallow pool close to the ice cream bar where a bunch of kids can enjoy their (first) cruise. And the cruise operator will try to win their long-term loyalty.

The Unremarkable Grays
This group includes cruisers like us—gray blending into gray. Difficult to categorize and, admittedly, not the most exciting to write about.

So, what type of cruiser are you?  

I look forward to reading your stories in the comments below!  

Logbook

Position: 02°57.60' N, 91°03,58' E
Crossed the equator again! This time from South to North
North Eastern edge of the Indian Ocean
Timezone: GMT+7

Speed: 33 km/h. Wind: 70 km/h. Heading: 50°
Time to next port: 1 days

Risk of sea sickness: LOW
Risk of hallucinations: LOW




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