How did YOU get over post-cruise depression?

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

My friends who talked me into this cruise, also mentioned the big let down after it was all over. Other that re-booking while on board ... for the very next week, what realistic tips do you all have for getting back into the real world upon return?
Anything I should be doing in advance? Would letting the kids write postcards from each port, then getting them back over the first week back be helpful, or make it worse?
Thanks for your help.

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

I was very depressed after our last cruise-5 days at WDW then the 5/11 Western Cruise. It was a vacation I've always dreamed about. I remember coming home and not recognizing my own family room-we'd been away for 2 weeks. I found myself not able to unpack and do laundry like I thought I would and our house became a major pit before I had enough gumption to clean it. I would say it took at least a month for me to get back into the swing of everyday life. I didn't have this after our first 2 cruises though.

[markey]

I've been home since Sat. night after 7 day western and 5 days at universal, and did rebook while on board. This morning while driving to work I keep saying, if only this could be two weeks ago. I guess you just have to keep remembering all the fun you had, it really goes so quickly.

[mickeymom629]

I haven't gone on my cruise yet, but I know that after a trip to WDW, the only thing that makes me feel better is planning the next one!! I imagine that's how it will feel like after the cruise.
I'm already trying to think of when we can get to WDW next year . . . my family thinks I'm nuts, but mostly they are always glad when the plans become reality. ;)

[imgoingtodisney]

And that is why we became DVC members!

When we returned home from our 9night vaca at the Wilderness Lodge last Oct I knew that in a short time I would be cruisin on Norwegian to the Western Carib in Dec.
When I got off NCL I knew that in only a few weeks we could book our Disney Cruise.

Before we step foot on the Magic in Nov we will have next years vaca to the VWL booked.

[BeanoC]

Start a new thread on the community boards when you get back, and continue to communicate with your fellow DIS cruisers after the cruise. It has been almost a year since our last Disney cruise and my thread is STILL going!

The scrap book is also great therapy,as are the videos.

You can also ask yourself this question: Would I rather have not gone at all, and have none of the memories? Then just smile and go about your day! :) :) The depression will pass.



'Beano'

[Tluvs2talk]

WE BOOKED ANOTHER CRUISE!!:D That is the only way I could cope with after cruise depression:)

[brittsmum1998]

A little off topic if you guys don't mind but what is this I keep hearing about booking another cruise while on board? Do you get discounts etc? And what is the 99$ cruise about. Thanks and sorry to sway from topic ;)

[Tluvs2talk]

brittsmum1998,
The $99 cruise was offered to cruisers who sailed on certain cruises in January. I read about it on this board and booked a cruise the same day. We sailed on a 4 day cruise in January and we were given vouchers in our room to book a 3 day cruise in the fall for $99. This was a promotion to fill the Ships because so many people were not traveling last Winter after 9/11. Disney does offer cheaper rates to re-book within a certain time after cruising, however I doubt we see the $99 cruise offered again. Just keep looking for bargains!!!

[brittsmum1998]

Thanks Teri! I jumped outta my seat when I saw 99$ ;) and I notice alot that people book while still on the cruise. thanks again, Kim

[prymsu]

I start by either researching our next vacation, or have already made a decision to book ASPA. :Pinkbounc

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by DreamsDoComeTrue

Anything I should be doing in advance? Would letting the kids write postcards from each port, then getting them back over the first week back be helpful, or make it worse?
Thanks for your help.

I did this with my niece when she and my parents went on the 7 day eastern cruise with us, only I filled out the post cards and mailed them when she wasn't around. She LOVED getting them later! Especially the Castaway Cay one which came MUCH later! :)

It is a great idea! I plan to do it again on our upcoming cruise in March to put in Katie's Baby Book.

Kathy

[brittsmum1998]

shmoogirl, that sounds like a great idea for Katies book. I may do that for Britt's book too. I never thought of that! Thanks,

[aalan]

my wife and i had such a great time last march on the 7 day eastern, that we booked again for the western this march 29. we both spend a lot of time here, especially me! ;) we took a lot of digi-camera shots, and watch a computer slide show often to help relive the magic.

[justmestace]

Wow! I thought I was the only one who took forever to unpack after our cruise ..usually I can't wait to get back home and get settled..my husband says I took so long because I didn't want to come home..he's right. And I hated it when my "sea legs" went away! I stay "up" by reading these boards, looking at pictures, e-mailing our dinner partners..who have become great friends, falling asleep every night just going over all the details of our "Wonder"-ful cruise! And of course....we booked another cruise!!!:Pinkbounc
Now, the hardest part is waiting until Sept 2003! We live in Arizona, so I also have made reservations for a surprise Christmas trip to Disneyland. Of course, it's not even close to the perfection of a cruise, but it will help to hold us over. :)
justmestace

[TimonTracy]

I was so upset after my first cruise, I really wanted to cry. So, while in the MCO airport I found a payphone and changed my honeymoon plans to take another 4 day a month and a half later. I instantly felt better.

[Denine]

We never go on vacation without already having another one booked! That way, as soon as we get home, we can start ironing our the details of the next one.
We have our back-to-back October cruises and then another cruise in January (HAL) and then WDW in May. Depending on the deal, we may book on onboard for next October, but I already have prices for other cruises in October to compare them to.
It helps bing DVC members!!!!!!

[taswira]

My next cruise is just a 3-day on Halloween, but <I>one week</I> after my return, I'll be back on the Wonder for a 4-day with my mom. I almost think I'll like this better than if I did back-to-backs, because the in-between time won't be "down" time. So far my next after that isn't until a 7-day western Oct. of <I>next</I> year. My "plan" ;) is to stick in at least two more Wonder cruises to tide me over. Can't let myself get depressed, right? :teeth:

I'll never meet the DCL frequency of Barb and Tony, but I'll keep trying! <I>The only cure for a lost love is a new love. The only cure for post-cruise depression is ANOTHER cruise!</I> :jester: