How did I get to qualify for a Saga cruise?! #19

Pre sail ramblings

Hello friends,

Slightly nerdy start alert: The open rate for last weeks blog My Money Story #18 plummeted. Now, that could be for a number of reasons including my uninspiring subject matter (harsh but maybe fair), my use of the word ‘H’ word in the title (trying hard not to use it here just in case) or because I have fallen down the ‘safe sender’ list¹ both of which mean spam filters junked my blog. Cheek.

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• Check your spam or junk folders. If 1000Weeks is hiding there please mark it as "not spam" and move it to your inbox, or

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Thank you. Onwards.

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I am writing this on the morning I set off an a Saga Cruise!  When this is published I will be somewhere around the Norwegian Fjords. 

Yes, S-A-G-A.  For the uninitiated this is a bit like an 18-30s holiday for the over 50s.  But not.

Preconceptions

I am overflowing with preconceptions of what my week on a cruise boat will be.  My justification, and saving grace, is that I am going with my mum to celebrate her being 80 this year and me being 60.  That is certainly worth celebrating.

But back to my preconceptions.

Firstly, this cruise is for old people right.  Surely not me?

Secondly, why do people sign up to be herded around as we dock for excursions?

Thirdly, what’s all this about getting dressed up for dinner not to mention dining at the Captain’s table!  Sounds like something from the 1930s not 2024.

Fourthly, not to mention the oceans (see what I did there) of food that will be available 24/7.  I mean, who eats that much?

Fifthly, surely, all the exercise and keep fit classes in the gym will be the equivalent of armchair aerobics? Not for someone like me who recently cycled 85 miles in one day, did I mention that before ? 😉

Sixthly (I think I am now making words up!), why would I want to be entertained each evening by ‘am dram’ productions and American Song Book classics?  

Seventhly, who on earth needs their bed turned down at night? and

Eighthly, how on earth can there be one category that captures those aged 50+?  To be fair to SAGA, this is not unique to them and is no criticism of their offerings.  No one is making me go on this trip.  It’s just many organisations, including local authorities, seem to clump those over 60 as one homogenous group.  Pretty problematic when such a wide spectrum of ability, physically, mentally, spiritually and attitudinally, exists as we humans move through our 60s, 70s and hopefully 80s and beyond.

“But enough now Ruth of your assumptions and preconceptions.  You are sounding like a spoilt brat.”  I hear you.

My guilty secret

The truth is, my mum and I are going to have a fabulous time and how unbelievably lucky am I to be able to do this with her.  I am counting my blessings.

And, rants aside, my curiosity is piqued.  I am secretly looking forward to my week of tea dances, afternoon tea and mellow jazz…😉Not to mention the glory of the Norwegian Fiordland’s.

And who knows, I may just enjoy myself and become a convert. 

Updates to follow.

How about you, what are your cruising experiences? Double entendre intended.

Until next week

Ruth x

1. Big shout out and thanks to my friend Hannah for explaining this to me.