Each of us, I reckon, is made up of many different personalities, some of which might be better kept under wraps.
But once in a while wouldn’t it be great if we could bring a few of these alter egos out into the daylight? Maybe to test them on an unsuspecting public. Well where better to test them than on a cruise ship?
In many ways a cruise, with its relaxed atmosphere and stimulating experiences, is the perfect coming out environment for our secret selves. And who knows, by coming out in this way we could turn a sea voyage into a voyage of personal discovery.
Psychology
Let me stress I’m no expert in psychology, though it’s often been suggested I should seek expert psychiatric help.
But speaking merely as an amateur in this field, it seems to me that cruising gives us a great opportunity to learn more about who we are and, indeed, who we might become.
If, in everyday life, you feel forced to keep some of your multiple personalities tightly locked up, then a holiday aboard a cruise liner could provide the liberation you need.
Foul-tempered
Of course this doesn’t always follow.
For example, if part of you is a foul-tempered hater of mankind and you work in customer service, it’s probably better to place that side of your character under strict house arrest. Certainly while you’re at work.
But even on a cruise, I wouldn’t recommend you inflict your inner misanthrope on the rest of us. It’s the wrong place and it will only end in tears. Maybe you should attend a Premiership football match instead.
However, I do believe there are character traits which we keep hidden, that could be set free on the ocean without too much harm being done. Here are just a few of my suggestions for the other people you could be when you embark on a cruise holiday.
Art, history or culture buff
In everyday life you may know little about these subjects and those around you will be only too aware of your ignorance. There’s no point in trying to bluff them.
But on a cruise, who’s to know you aren’t an authority on such matters. A little pre-cruise reading about some of the locations you are visiting could quickly sort that out.
As you stroll round a gallery or museum, or you tour a city, you could be the one bestowing pearls of knowledge on your fellow travellers.
Just make sure you do your research beforehand, keep things a little vague and check there isn’t a world class expert in your party.
Your inner comedian
It’s always great to say something witty and have everyone around you collapsing in laughter. But what if your jokes fell flat? Back home that could be deeply embarrassing.
But on a cruise, surrounded mostly by complete strangers, would it really be such a disaster? Why not go for it?
Perhaps you often think of hilarious things to say while in company, but never quite have the courage to express them out loud. Well, now’s your chance.
If it works, you’ll have brought a smile to the faces of your fellow passengers. If it fails, well it’s time to try another personality.
Reversal
If friends and colleagues know you as a particular type of character, it might be hard for you to stray too far from their deeply entrenched view. But that means you could be suppressing interesting alternative personas.
I think it’s time you shed the stereotypical you and explored some other possibilities. In fact, why not try reversing a few of your supposed personality traits?
Why not take a walk on the flipside?
Extravert
Perhaps people have you down as being quiet and reserved when in fact there’s an extravert lurking within, just waiting to be released. Well as a cruiser you have the perfect opportunity to try out that larger than life character.
Or you may find that people see you as aloof and unsentimental, when the truth is you’re a bit of an old softie. Not a problem. On a cruise you can let your guard down and reveal the real, touchy-feely, gushy-slushy you.
And then there’s your choice of holiday. Maybe you’ve always gone for the traditional cruise in the sun, and everyone has you down as being that type of holidaymaker.
Well maybe it’s time to bring out your more adventurous side and try a different kind of experience. Perhaps a voyage to Alaska with 4 nights in San Francisco?
Lots of value
There’s no question, a cruise could be the remaking of you. A chance to rediscover some of those other yous that have been pushed into the background for too long.
Who knows, you may uncover another side to your character that is worth developing.
But even after all that, if you decide to stick with the tried and tested you that everyone knows and loves, no harm will have been done. You’ll return from the sea wiser and more self aware.
On top of that you’ll have had a great holiday, packed with enjoyable experiences and lots of value. Especially if you’ve chosen one of these Virgin cruise deals.
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