Anyone take a provider along on a, say, 7-day cruise somewhere warm? How did it turn out in the end? Everything to each other mutual satisfaction?

It is not the length of the ship that counts, but it is the motion of the Ocean.

Thank You
2007=27

That's just flat-out too long in essentially a confined space with one person you don't *really* know.

I've traveled with a provider who I knew *very* well to Bali (someplace warm) and it was amazing, but we could go do our own thing if we wanted - I mean, it's an island, not a boat.

Remember the old saw: you don't pay a provider for  sex, you pay her to leave afterwards... no entanglements! An entire week on a ship is pretty much an entanglement

Now that said, I have known a couple of providers who I could easily spend a week with (the one in Bali is one, another was a girl I spent a few weeks with in Thailand long ago)... but there was serious chemistry in both cases, AND we really, really got along well. So if you are lucky enough to have THAT, then sail away, by all means

I will say this... about all you can do on a cruise ship is eat, sleep and have sex. So it's a conducive environment, yes!

O.

it takes a long time to get to England in a rowboat

Yes the chemistry is there and I have a weekend date planned shortly mostly to see how it goes before asking her out on this one. And no I won't take anyone who I really don't know.

Only if it was the Minnow with the professor. I would only go on one if he and I seriously got along and had fabulous chemistry.

Alyssa

Here's my experience.

Generally you will end the trip as great friends, or hating the sight, smell, sound of one another.

There are two extremes, one is to hire a professional who specializes in travel escorting.  They are usually quite high end, may speak several languages, probably can drive the ship or at least dated the captain... and you can be pretty much assured of a great time.  The other is a girl who goes for the fun of a free trip.  The rest lie in between, and generally you will get what you pay for.

My best advice is if possible take someone you have already dated and you like each other.

The key is communication in advance.  Make sure everyone understands what the other expects.  Have an acceptable cancellation clause.  Throwing one another off the ship would not be considered acceptable.  Giggle.

Space:  Usually unless it's just an overnighter when my partner and I date long term we prefer a separate room, or a double suite so everyone can have a little private space.  I find this to be probably the single most important factor in a successful long term date.  Even if we are sleeping together it's necessary to keep from tripping over one another constantly.

Guy don't really want their GF's bra hanging on the lamp in the living room...  Giggle. Or god forbid - if someone snores.  Can you imagine being a provider stuck of a week in a 10X10 cabin with a snorer?  It could be enough to make someone abandon ship at sea!

Compensation:  Remember the provider has ongoing expenses at home, and has a daily average income.  This should be factored in.  Also consider she may lose a day of work before the trip getting ready.  On a longer trip she will often be slow for a couple of days after returning. Also the costs of any special clothing, etc should be considered.

If you are dealing with a professional she will be at your beck and call 24/7, whether you require this or not.  She will consider herself as "working" long after you forgot there was any money involved.  (If she's good.)

And remember, most quality providers if they want to go on vacation, they can afford to go wherever and whenever they want.  So the mere fact that you are offering a trip to wherever may not be much incentive.

But put the offer out there, I promise you will get lots of interest.  And maybe you will find the right person to share what will most likely be a fabulous time for both - and you will return as friends as well as lovers!

Hugs,
TS Jamie

-- Modified on 6/20/2007 11:45:06 PM

Thanks for your great advice. You brought to my attention some details I hadn't considered.

I've been on cruises in a 10x10 cabin and you don
't want to be there anymore than sleeping. I definitely was going to get a larger suite preferably like those at the back of the ship. Heck some of them even have his and her bathrooms!

things you can do with another human bean.  I've traveled with business associates, in the military with members of my squadron, with girlfriends, with a wife, with a wife and kid, with a wife and kids and with kids (some not even my own)!  lol!  

In all that travel, you are indeed correct, you will sync and click, or you will return loathing the person.  I have truly found that travel can tell you exactly why you like the person - or why you should look elsewhere for companionship.  Truly difficult to navigate.  

As for the accomodations on a ship! lol!  I've been on "great big Cruise ships" and Wind Jammers..... (I prefer the Wind jammer).  but you will be close...  I like the suggestion of separate sleeping quarters (I snore - Know it, and would not wish to inflict that on anyone! it would make them grumpy.... and that would not be fun for me....!)

...I wish you'd signed off as "Mary Ann", b/c that's EXACTLY what I see in my mind when I think of her!

one time I took my kids on a cruise in january out of tampa, and as soon as we hit open seas, we had high winds, and everyone was seasick, which, I also had,not fun, I can assure you, so when you go on a cruise, as well as where the cruise goes to, factors in as well, I wouldnt think a seasick provider would be too much fun, as I remember biting my kids heads off, for carrying on high in our stateroom!

But I too took my kids on a cruise.... never saw em!  they stayed in the ship pool... me?  I sat by the pool, drinking pina coladas!  everyone was happy!  lol!  

Seriously, there is a lot of luck involved.  Took a girlfriend to Scotland one year.... it was the hottest year on record....  we actually had a good time, but not before the cops pulled me over....  and she got to quip a bit of this and that!  lol!  but we really did have a good trip & remained close long after the trip.

Those are fantastic suggestions regarding going with somebody whose company you actually like.

I have done this a few times (one seven week trip being with a gent I had only seen once before).

They all worked out beautifully, and I don't have any negative expereinces to share.

The one thing all the gents had in common though was that they insisted on each of us having time to ourselves as well.  Sure, we slept, ate, and went to shows together.  We also enjoyed shore excursions.  However, we weren't joined at the hip.  I would imagine being with anybody 24/7 would be next to impossible.

I work out at least 2 hours a day (and that is on my own).  All the gets I travelled with also insisted on sending me to the spa each day (not that this is necessarry...but again - it is time away from one another).  An hour or so a day with phone calls/emails etc.

They had their own things to do, and made sure I had plenty of 'me' time as well.  That makes for much company later in the day, and prevents either of you from getting tired of one another.  

Just make sure the two of you are on the same page regarding what you are looking for.  If you want her in your room with you 20 hours out of the day - make sure she knows and is ok with that.  Otherwise the expectation will be much more along the lines of what a gentleman usually does = plenty of together time....but enough time apart to appreciate the togetherness.

one of the things that went south on our marriage was an expectation that we were joined at the hip....  some of the advice above... well, it is just good advice... for all!  not just hobbiest / provider but for all!

Thanks. (by the way, I think I am in love with you! lol!  very interesting!)

and it was spectacular.