inkman's carribean cruise / introduction to scotch

[inkman]

Soooo, I just got back from a 7 day western carribean cruise. Some thoughts:

 

1) Cruise ship labor is some sweat shop bs. It is straight up slave labor. After doing some research, I feel like I didn't tip enough...and I probably tipped in the neighborhood of $500 throughout the cruise.

 

2) maybe I just don't get out enough but the sight of 100 - 150 bikini clad smoking hotties on any given day is a bit to take in for a 45 year old married man. Ass everywhere.

 

3) don't ever and I mean ever take a 2 year old into a situation like a cruise ship. My marriage almost ended a half dozen times in 7 days. So stupid.

 

4) Haiti and Jamaica are seriously poor countries. We went on some not so publicized tours and these countries are in dire straights. It was gut wrenching to see the amount of poverty. These people just want to eat and a lot of them dont.

 

5) so day 2 of our cruise I decided to indulge in some scotch. I'm not sure how many I had but it was enough to make my Jamaica cruise very barf worthy. Overall, I really enjoyed my scotch experience. I drank glenlevit,Glenfiddoch, and dewars. Not disappointed with any.

 

I drank it neat at night but on the rocks in the pool. It was wonderfully refreshing not the have to pee every 30 minutes and not feeling bloated all day. I may have to incorporate Scotch into my regular drinking routine.

[IKnowPhysics]

Hooray for life experiences.

 

I usually pass on the cruises.  I never pass on the scotch.  Welcome to the addiction.

 

You've had some of the better, easy-to-find entry-level scotches.  Glad you liked them.  Next up, try the Macallan 12.  It's a great Speyside.  Smooth.  Slightly sweet.  It's a couple bucks more than what you've had so far, but it's not expensive (in terms of $cotch) and it's not that hard to find.  If you like that, try anything from Oban (a highland).  If you're looking to put hair on your peaches, namely by Scotching with peat and/or smoke, try an islay, namely Lagavulin or Laphroaig or Ardbeg.  Early on, don't feel compelled to dump $ into a bottle of something that's super aged (18+ years).  Find out what traits/styles you like first, then head up the age/money scale later.  I go neat all the time, but to each their own; neat let's me figure out what I like and don't like without pulling any punches.

 

And I wasn't considering having a dram tonight, but after jotting this down, I definitely will.  For anyone interested: Oban 14 Carribbean Cask.

[BMWR100RT]

It took me far too long to find Scotch. It's now my go to beverage. Just a glass or two, sipped over the rocks. Not having to get up to pee away beer all night especially when I'm camping and dealing with much less cooling needs (yes you can drink it warm) are all pluses.  

 

"try an islay, namely Lagavulin or Laphroaig or Ardbeg" - This. Ardbeg is my fave. The other two have a slight "tire fire" ruggedness that isn't for all, kind of like a seriously hoppy IPA isn't for everyone. I like them both, but if you want to go down the islay road, start with Ardbeg.

[Eleven]

It was wonderfully refreshing not the have to pee every 30 minutes and not feeling bloated all day.

 

This is one reason why I don't drink much beer.

[wjag]

I've taken three cruises now and enjoyed every one of them.  Been and seen the same places you describe.  Currently in Bahamas (not cruising) and it is GLORIOUS.  I do have some of the same concerns.  We are getting ridiculously large portions of food served to us by people who must seriously question the fairness of life when half of it goes back not eaten.  When can we get back to sanity with respect to portion size?

 

As far as scotch is concerned.  Not these virgin lips shall it pass.  

Edited May 16, 2016 by wjag

[Doohicksie]

I've never been on a cruise and I doubt I ever will. Just not my thing.

[Sabres Fan in NS]

I've never been on a cruise and I doubt I ever will. Just not my thing.

 

And what about the scotch?

 

We went on an ill-advised European cruise that started in Istanbul.  The ports of call (Dubrovnik, Rome, Venice, Athens ...) were fantastic, but life on the ship was just terrible.

 

After spending 10 days in Istanbul, prior to the start of the cruise, we seriously considered just staying there.

[darksabre]

Cruises are at the very bottom of my list of things I want to experience. Right below getting tortured like James Bond in Casino Royale. 

Scotch on the other hand, is waaaaay up at the top of the list. 

[inkman]

Cruises are at the very bottom of my list of things I want to experience. Right below getting tortured like James Bond in Casino Royale.

 

Scotch on the other hand, is waaaaay up at the top of the list.

Cruise was definitely done under duress. I wouldn't have gone but it was paid for by someone with a limited amount of time left on planet earth so I felt obligated to go. It's not me or my wife's idea if a good time.

 

If I'm 25-30 and single. I'd try to do a couple a year. Lots of young single woman dying to find a week long boyfriend.

[SwampD]

I had always hated scotch. Then, my Irish bartender, Mick (teehee), told me to always add water, even a little, to open it up. It's not a go to for me but at least now I can enjoy it a somewhat.

 

This guy agrees.

 

http://www.scotchdoc.com/tsd/ask/

 

I love this part from the first question.

"I strongly recommend that the Scotch single malt be "approached" in the same manner that one would a member of the opposite sex that may intrigue you. An open mind, patience, sincere attention to detail and an opportunity for it to reveal and exhibit its unique special qualities may disclose an "individual" whose company you can enjoy on many occasions. It could also be that you will meet that individual who you will want to spend a lifetime with..."

[beerme1]

I've never been on a cruise and I doubt I ever will. Just not my thing.

 

 

That used to be me. I've done two and am looking at another. I have been a staunch anti cruiser until it was some friends turn to decide where we go for a vacation. Stopping at some of the island's in the Caribbean has also determined future vacations. We've decided we loved St. Martin so much we are renting a stunning villa for a week in 2017 and it will be cheaper than an upscale hotel!

 

 

Ink you are right about the labor. Cruise ship employees work ridiculously long hours and days when they are at sea. Don't feel too too bad though as a bartender we befriended on our last cruise was at sea for five months and home for seven and still made $80K and had a pretty good gig going. Room attendants are probably the least rewarded.   

[Eleven]

That used to be me. I've done two and am looking at another. I have been a staunch anti cruiser until it was some friends turn to decide where we go for a vacation. Stopping at some of the island's in the Caribbean has also determined future vacations. We've decided we loved St. Martin so much we are renting a stunning villa for a week in 2017 and it will be cheaper than an upscale hotel!

 

 

Ink you are right about the labor. Cruise ship employees work ridiculously long hours and days when they are at sea. Don't feel too too bad though as a bartender we befriended on our last cruise was at sea for five months and home for seven and still made $80K and had a pretty good gig going. Room attendants are probably the least rewarded.   

 

 

Rethinking career.

[BagBoy]

Hooray for life experiences.

 

I usually pass on the cruises.  I never pass on the scotch.  Welcome to the addiction.

 

You've had some of the better, easy-to-find entry-level scotches.  Glad you liked them.  Next up, try the Macallan 12.  It's a great Speyside.  Smooth.  Slightly sweet.  It's a couple bucks more than what you've had so far, but it's not expensive (in terms of $cotch) and it's not that hard to find.  If you like that, try anything from Oban (a highland).  If you're looking to put hair on your peaches, namely by Scotching with peat and/or smoke, try an islay, namely Lagavulin or Laphroaig or Ardbeg.  Early on, don't feel compelled to dump $ into a bottle of something that's super aged (18+ years).  Find out what traits/styles you like first, then head up the age/money scale later.  I go neat all the time, but to each their own; neat let's me figure out what I like and don't like without pulling any punches.

 

And I wasn't considering having a dram tonight, but after jotting this down, I definitely will.  For anyone interested: Oban 14 Carribbean Cask.

 

Excellent advice.

 

It took me far too long to find Scotch. It's now my go to beverage. Just a glass or two, sipped over the rocks. Not having to get up to pee away beer all night especially when I'm camping and dealing with much less cooling needs (yes you can drink it warm) are all pluses.  

 

"try an islay, namely Lagavulin or Laphroaig or Ardbeg" - This. Ardbeg is my fave. The other two have a slight "tire fire" ruggedness that isn't for all, kind of like a seriously hoppy IPA isn't for everyone. I like them both, but if you want to go down the islay road, start with Ardbeg.

 

Excellent advice.  I love Lagavulin and Laphroaig, but I get that they are not for everyone.

 

I had always hated scotch. Then, my Irish bartender, Mick (teehee), told me to always add water, even a little, to open it up. It's not a go to for me but at least now I can enjoy it a somewhat.

 

This guy agrees.

 

http://www.scotchdoc.com/tsd/ask/

 

I love this part from the first question.

"I strongly recommend that the Scotch single malt be "approached" in the same manner that one would a member of the opposite sex that may intrigue you. An open mind, patience, sincere attention to detail and an opportunity for it to reveal and exhibit its unique special qualities may disclose an "individual" whose company you can enjoy on many occasions. It could also be that you will meet that individual who you will want to spend a lifetime with..."

 

Excellent advice.  Especially if you are drinking a cask strength Scotch, you should add a bit of water.

[Wyldnwoody44]

I did enough cruising in the Navy, I will take a catamaran or something else, but not interested in a large cruise.

 

As for scotch, it's OK

[inkman]

Rethinking career.

The bar tending gigs are among the most coveted on the ships. But buyer beware. They start you off working 14 hour days seven days a week for 7 months straight.

They punish the poor workers giving them the tasks nobody wants. They also hate Americans workers on the ships. We already have ample opportunity in our country, many of the workers are there as this is the only opportunity they have. Here is a nice write up on it:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1059

 

A little nicer perspective:

 

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/whats-it-like-to-actually-work-on-a-cruise-ship/

Edited May 17, 2016 by inkman

[nfreeman]

Hooray for life experiences.

 

I usually pass on the cruises.  I never pass on the scotch.  Welcome to the addiction.

 

You've had some of the better, easy-to-find entry-level scotches.  Glad you liked them.  Next up, try the Macallan 12.  It's a great Speyside.  Smooth.  Slightly sweet.  It's a couple bucks more than what you've had so far, but it's not expensive (in terms of $cotch) and it's not that hard to find.  If you like that, try anything from Oban (a highland).  If you're looking to put hair on your peaches, namely by Scotching with peat and/or smoke, try an islay, namely Lagavulin or Laphroaig or Ardbeg.  Early on, don't feel compelled to dump $ into a bottle of something that's super aged (18+ years).  Find out what traits/styles you like first, then head up the age/money scale later.  I go neat all the time, but to each their own; neat let's me figure out what I like and don't like without pulling any punches.

 

And I wasn't considering having a dram tonight, but after jotting this down, I definitely will.  For anyone interested: Oban 14 Carribbean Cask.

 

Excellent post.

 

I personally tend towards the smoother single malts -- my favorites are MacAllan and Oban and I don't particularly like Lagavulin or Laphroaig.  For something kinda in between, I like Caol Ila.

[JJFIVEOH]

Cruises can be a great experience, if you choose the right cruise line. If there is anything worth spending a little more money on to improve your purchase, it's a cruise. The wrong cruise can make your experience a nightmare.

 

I know that might sound obvious, but it can't be stressed enough.