Cruise - Who has been on one and recommendations.

[BringBackFergy]

My wife and I have never been on a cruise. Some friends of ours swear by Carnival whereas others say it is a step down from Royal Carribean (sp?).

 

For the price, which one is better? Do you go for 5 day, 7 day? I guess there is a cruise that leaves NYC and goes right down the eastern coast. Not sure if it is best to go in the Fall, Spring or Summer.

 

I know nothing about cruises but I imagine some of you guys have been on them. Sounds like a blast with food, dancing, drinks, shows, relaxation. I'd like to arrange for one for our Anniversary next year and figured best to start planning early.

 

EDIT: I see there was a thread back in Oct. 2012. Please close this thread. Sorry Mods...I should have searched OTW first.

5 demerits for me.....please don't give me any warning points. I'm sorry....really I am.

Edited May 17, 2013 by BringBackFergy

[Just Jack]

I don't know if I'd want to be on a Carnival ship.

 

Here's some previous threads to get you started....

 

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/151625-anyone-take-their-kidsfamily-on-a-cruise

 

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/138660-any-cruisers-out-there

 

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/128719-anyone-ever-take-a-holland-america-cruise

 

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/113460-panama-canal-cruise

[WotAGuy]

In September 2011, I took my three daughters (22, 24, 25) on a 12 day cruise out of Venice, Italy on Royal Carribean. We hit Croatia, Greece, Turkey and Montenegro. It was my first cruise; my daughters had done Carribean cruises before. It was great; there's lots of books available about cruising, and the library is a good place to start. Our cruise was all about getting off the ship and seeing the sights, which is exhausting but thrilling. After three days of shore day-trips, we were thankful for a day at sea to just chill out. Some things to consider;

• You can either use the cruise to get to and see many diverse places, or you can use it to just chill out, and relax on ship the whole time.
  
• We got an interior cabin to save $, knowing we wouldn't be in the cabin except to sleep.
  
• We did hang by the pool during the day, and the meals were phenomenal. We didn't partake of the other entertainment on board, or the casino, etc. We were focused on sightseeing on shore and were pretty exhausted each night. Time change was a factor too.
  
• Getting off the ship early each day is important because there's not really alot of time on shore. I got up and in line very early each morning to get first tickets to the tenders that took us to shore (when we didn't dock). When we docked, you just hope your turn gets called early. We wanted to maximize our time on shore.
  
• We did both ship excursions and did our own excursions on the fly. Both were great; the ship excursions are pricey, but there's less stress because you know you are covered if you get back to ship late. When you do your own excursion, you never know if the taxi, tour, etc is legit and are going to get you back on time. We didn't have any problems, but it was nerve-wracking for me at times.
  
• We did a guided tour in Turkey, and a private cab in Athens to get around to the sights and I have to say, the private cab was the most fun. Stavros took us EVERYWHERE and took really good care of my girls. It was a crap-shoot but we made out great.
  
• On Mikonos, we rented motor scooters to get around the island and that was a blast....it was less than a ship excusion, and we got to see whatever we wanted.
  
• In Bodrum, Turkey and Kotor, Montenegro, we just walked around and swam in the ocean; that was very stress-free.
  
• We went immediately after Labor Day and the prices for the cruise were pretty good. Flights were expensive, but it was worth seeing Venice. We got there early and stayed an extra day.
  
• It was a once in a lifetime trip for me, but my girls think we are doing it again....next time, they are paying their own way!
  
• Enjoy!
  

Edited May 17, 2013 by WotAGuy

[Just Jack]

EDIT: I see there was a thread back in Oct. 2012. Please close this thread. Sorry Mods...I should have searched OTW first.

5 demerits for me.....please don't give me any warning points. I'm sorry....really I am.

 

That was a different type of thread.

 

And don't be the "Ugly American" on your cruise. Enjoy yourself and respect the locals.

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

Been on several. Quick thoughts:

 

1) Don't go Carnival

2) Arrange your own shore excursions. Check TripAdvisor. Many that provide service to the cruise lines also provide on their own without going through the middle-man.

3) Most won't allow any alcohol on board except theirs.

4) Don't bother with the dress-up nights unless you really want to. Takes up too much luggage space for 3-4 hours of use.

5) Avoid hurricane season. Even if there isn't one near you, they can rough up the seas

6) If you've never spent time on a ship might want to start with a shorter cruise

7) Bring Dramamine & "sea bands" just in case

[Wayne Cubed]

Have previously done a 7 day Western Caribbean with Princess.

 

From my understanding, the difference between Carnival and say Princess or Royal Caribbean is age range and amenities. My sister has cruised Carnival and also a friend has, it tends to be younger. The service by the staff and crew on Princess/Royal Caribbean is also much better. My sister didn't enjoy her cruise with Carnival and because of that has been put of cruising. Whereas I had a great time and would definitely do it again.

 

I would suggest staying away from Carnival.

[Satan]

Eh, Katie Holmes does not recommend a long voyage.

[BringBackFergy]

All great advice fellas. Thanks alot. Like I said I'm in the planning stage for a surprise gift to my wife and I'd like to plan it out correctly and get the best itinerary.

These are all very good suggestions.

[Fezmid]

Carnival is definitely a step down from Royal Carribean. Celebrity is a step up from RC.

 

4) Don't bother with the dress-up nights unless you really want to. Takes up too much luggage space for 3-4 hours of use.

I disagree -- I personally think the formal nights are part of the fun of a cruise. I never get dressed up "in real life," so getting the suit and tie for a formal dinner is something I thought I'd hate -- but it turns out I really like it.

 

7) Bring Dramamine & "sea bands" just in case

I'm not sure the bands do anything -- but my wife swears by taking half of a Dramamine pill before bed, starting roughly 3-4 days before the cruise. It puts you to sleep, and gets you ready for the motion on the ship. I don't have a problem with it, so I never take the pills.

 

I shared this earlier, but will share it again - a video I made from my cruise to Alaska many years ago.

 

Enjoy! Cruising is definitely fun.

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

 

I disagree -- I personally think the formal nights are part of the fun of a cruise. I never get dressed up "in real life," so getting the suit and tie for a formal dinner is something I thought I'd hate -- but it turns out I really like it.

 

 

So you'd be in the 'unless you really want to' crowd. I've partaken of that custom on multiple cruises, but for me, the amount of room taken up by that stuff, let alone the effort trying to keep it wrinkle-free etc is no longer justified. Just as happy in khakis & a button-down.

[BringBackFergy]

Carnival is definitely a step down from Royal Carribean. Celebrity is a step up from RC.

 

 

I disagree -- I personally think the formal nights are part of the fun of a cruise. I never get dressed up "in real life," so getting the suit and tie for a formal dinner is something I thought I'd hate -- but it turns out I really like it.

 

 

I'm not sure the bands do anything -- but my wife swears by taking half of a Dramamine pill before bed, starting roughly 3-4 days before the cruise. It puts you to sleep, and gets you ready for the motion on the ship. I don't have a problem with it, so I never take the pills.

 

I shared this earlier, but will share it again - a video I made from my cruise to Alaska many years ago.

 

Enjoy! Cruising is definitely fun.

That video was great Fezmid. I definitely want to get to Alaska some day. That boat looks amazing. You did a nice job capturing everything...helicopters, trains, boats, etc. The only thing missing was Jim in Anchorage wrestling a bear.

[Fezmid]

So you'd be in the 'unless you really want to' crowd. I've partaken of that custom on multiple cruises, but for me, the amount of room taken up by that stuff, let alone the effort trying to keep it wrinkle-free etc is no longer justified. Just as happy in khakis & a button-down.

I just think people should try it once -- mainly because I thought the same thing as you beforehand, "Takes up too much space, I don't want to get dressed up, blah blah." But turned out I really liked it, which was a big surprise.

 

That video was great Fezmid. I definitely want to get to Alaska some day. That boat looks amazing. You did a nice job capturing everything...helicopters, trains, boats, etc. The only thing missing was Jim in Anchorage wrestling a bear.

Thanks

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

If you want to leave from NYC - a cruise to Bermuda is worthwhile. Did that itinerary back in 1995, and it is the basis of my "avoid hurricane season" comment Bermuda was really nice once we got there.

Edited May 17, 2013 by JÂy RÛßeÒ

[Jon in Pasadena]

7) Bring Dramamine & "sea bands" just in case

 

Bonine (Meclizine) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dramamine.

 

IMHO, of course.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

The wife and I did a 5 day Carnival cruise for my 30th birthday. Departed from Jacksonville and hit a couple islands in the Bahamas. We got an incredible deal (I think we spent more on booze than we did on the whole trip), and had a reall good time. The food was incredible, the entertainment/amenaties were solid, and there were really fun shore excursions at every destination. If you're looking for a cheap, brief get-away...look into this cruise.

[DDD]

I've been on 3 Holland America cruises. If you want a loud, party scene this is not for you. They cater to a more sophisticated/older crowd. The ships are beautifully maintained and the mostly phillipino crew is amazing. Great service and good food with upgradeable dining options that were well worth the extra $15 per meal. I've always had a great time on Holland America. Brought my 4 kids on a cruise over the holidays and their was plenty of other children their age they played with. A seven day cruise is the best length imo. Anything shorter is too brief, anything longer is too long.

Edited May 18, 2013 by Mr. Wonderful

[Jim in Anchorage]

That video was great Fezmid. I definitely want to get to Alaska some day. That boat looks amazing. You did a nice job capturing everything...helicopters, trains, boats, etc. The only thing missing was Jim in Anchorage wrestling a bear.

I tried, the bear failed to show. Sick of me whooping his behind, I guess.

[Dean Cain]

Fly down to my town; Charleston, SC & leave from here.

[Keukasmallies]

Depends on your definition of a cruise.... If a cruise means crowds, meals, water slides, pick an established cruise line. If cruise means a leisurely trip on a ship with no crowds and very attentive personal service, go freighter cruising!

[Helpmenow]

RCCL the best

 

Ex in laws had a travel agency in hamburg and cruised all the time. They loved Norweigin and RCCL