Watches

Except for the display on the cabin telephone, you don't see clocks on cruise ships. Yet, it is important to be on time for excursions and traditional dining seating and shows and activities. 

I suppose most people use their cell phones. My husband mostly did that, though he did have a wristwatch for some shore excursions. I took a cheap metal wristwatch I had bought at Meijer for $15 when I lost a watch about 3 years ago. The back of the watch had corroded some, but the biggest issue was that the clasp no longer always stayed fastened, and the watch at times fell off of my arm. 

While we were on the bus returning from Veragua Rain Forest in Costa Rica, I heard something slide down the space between my seat and the window. At first, I was puzzled, but then I realized my watch had come off my left arm. When all of the other tourists had exited, my husband helped me look under the seat by sitting in the seat behind me. No watch. I said something to the tour guide, and the bus driver blindly reached around the seat frame. Voila! My watch returned to me. Alas, all of the effort was for naught. The watch no longer was running. I don't think the fall broke it; I think the battery had died. I didn't have the heart to tell the smiling rescuing bus driver and guide.

The next day was a sea day, no port to visit. On sea days, the Island Princess had shopping bazaars in the Provence dining room for several hours in the morning. These consisted of "junk" purchased especially for shopping entertainment on these days when the passengers needed to fill time. I had visited an earlier shopping event on a sea day but didn't buy anything. On this day, while I was doing the laundry, my husband browsed. He came away with the same opinion I had (mostly junk slightly discounted), but he saw they were selling watches for $10. I had thought about asking the expensive watch boutique on the ship if they replaced batteries, but buying an el cheapo was a better option since the clasp would still be problematic on my watch I had brought from home.

I ended up with this bangle/bracelet style watch. No clasp to worry about and it had a nice big easily-read face. This became my cruise watch. God graciously provided for me in my need.

I did have other watch options waiting at home. I have a dressy Caravelle by Bulova gold watch with rhinestone decorations. This isn't something I wear every day though, just for special occasions.

Over 15 years ago, I mentioned to my husband a watch with multiple bands and bezels I had seen in the store. He bought it for my wedding anniversary present. This Anne Klein watch "set" I do wear sometimes. The metal "straps" had corroded much like the watch I took on the cruise, but the leather straps were useable, though they were getting stiff with age. In some ways, a leather or vinyl or cloth band with punched holes is better for me. A metal band, even the stretchy kind, is always too big for me. I have to wear the watch quite high on my forearm. 

I had done some looking at watches before the trip because I knew I couldn't keep wearing a watch that fell off. I didn't want to spend big bucks because of the "corrosion problem" I have experienced. I decided to take my chances with my Meijer watch and wait until Valentine's sales to buy a watch most likely at Kohl's. 

With my "cruise watch" filling the need, I was able to take my time looking around. Kohl's had a sale on Armitron watches this past week. I bought one on Saturday. It is similar in size and coloration to the non-working watch, though more of a gold and silver combination. It cost about $50. The saleslady took out the "extra" link and commented on my small wrist. Yes, this watch has to be worn shoved up my forearm a bit. 

So now I have many wristwatch options. I am satisfied with how things worked out.