Boat vs. Boat
By Never teh Bride
I grew up on the water…boating and crabbing and fishing. Occasionally, snagging certain edible ocean life meant staying overnight on the family boat. Don’t let that fool you into thinking of a vessel larger than the ones we had — an overnight voyage was cramped and lacking in the amenities one is used to.
For those who can afford it, however, an waterbound voyage is a luxurious journey complete with all of the comforts of home. But consider for a moment that there is luxury and there is luxury. For some, the perfect watercraft is small enough to let its inhabitants experience the water below and the sky above. For others, a superior boating experience involves pretending one is not on a boat!
I present to you here two modes of water travel. Many of the boat houses in the Kerala area of India are gorgeous, comfortable, and functional. You can’t beat the scenery, and the water is close enough to touch. The World yacht, on the other hand, bills itself as “a seagoing community where adventure, excitement, and introductions to faraway lands are at your fingertips.” Every desire can be satisfied on board — there are movie theatres, you can play golf, and there’s a full spa.
I know which mode of travel I’d prefer — lounging around in a floating condo is not my idea of a good time. But YMMV, and I want to hear about which boat you’d rather occupy!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am
For a luxurious vacation, definitely the later. I do have to admit that if I won a gazillion dollars, my fantasy is to live in a house boat in Sausalito.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Ooooh, cruising is my favorite vacation. Just signed on for another one in November. I like that you can visit a number of different locations and only unpack once. My dream cruises are the Mediterranean and the South Pacific (some day when I can take that much time off). I always get a balcony and spend lots of time reading and lying in the sun. I love the days that are spent totally at sea and, of course, there’s all that well publicized pampering that goes on. What’s not to like?
July 9th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I reread the question and must say that if the India boat comes with a cook and houseman I’d take that hands down. I’m with Gemdiva. Yeah the ships are too big but you get to go several places, never unpack, and are catered to hand and foot.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I think puttering down a river in India in that wonderful little boat sounds just the ticket. Cruises are usually on giant, waterbound condos, and I don’t like condos. I prefer to see where I’m going and make my own fun.
Of course, if my final destination happened to be Europe, I’d rather get there by means of the giant floating condo, since the wonderful little boat is clearly not equipped to deal with a long, ocean voyage…but then I’d rather fly and get where I’m going faster so I can see more things. Dinner at the Captain’s table isn’t what I’m looking for, and the shipboard disco would make me want to crawl out of my own skin.
So all you cruise lovers, be my guest. I shall wave to you from the shore, wish you all a bon voyage, and then set sail on the African Queen…or something as close to it as I can muster. But I’d rather avoid the leeches, if you don’t mind.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
That picture of the Kerala houseboat got me right where I live. No question at all of the mode of transportation/sleeping accomodation I would choose.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:47 am
I’m with both of you, Twistie and Edwardina. I wouldn’t use my ‘little’ boat for long-term travel, but I wouldn’t feel at all like I was missing out as I floated down serene rivers and watched the wildlife float by.
July 17th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I’ve been on a houseboat in Kerala. It was divine. I wouldn’t have traded the experience for a ride on any cruise in the world.
July 18th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Thanks for the first-hand perspective, Nariya. I’m glad to know it’s as lovely as it looks!