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

[BringBackFergy]

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

 

Typical Griz

 

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!

"Freighter Cruising"??? Please expand. You mean like hop on board a barge full of cargo as a stowaway??

[ICanSleepWhenI'mDead]

My significant other dragged me kicking and screaming on our first cruise - - but I had some serious misconceptions and wound up enjoying it. Christmas carols on steel drums - - who knew? I have been on several other cruises since then.

 

One of the best things about cruises, especially if you like seeing new places, is that you only have to unpack once - - your "hotel room" then does the traveling.

 

One thing I have not seen mentioned yet in this thread is ship size. Think about whether you would prefer a slightly smaller ship over one of the floating cities they have more recently been building. Even the smaller ships generally have lots of dining and entertainment options.

 

You also may have an option to either have meals "freestyle" (i.e., come and go whenever you want), or seated at a table at an assigned time with the same people at each dinner. There are pros and cons to each approach, depending on the personalities of any assigned table-mates.

 

It's an oversimplification, but my impression is that Carnival ships encourage more of a young party atmosphere, RC focuses on outdoor activities, and Holland America draws an older, more "dignified" crowd [yuck!]. I have not cruised on Carnival, but enjoyed myself on the other two. Given a choice, I would pick a mid-sized RC ship.

 

Carnival ships have been in the news a lot in the last couple years with mechanical problems, but I suspect some of that is just increased media scrutiny after one of their Italian subsidiary's ships struck rocks and capsized off the coast of Italy a couple years ago.

 

Cruise ships sometimes have outbreaks of the norovirus - - I've never been on a ship with a problem, but it would be a good idea to use the hand sanitizers that all ships make available in their dining halls. It's not a very serious illness, but it's highly contagious, and it could ruin your trip.

 

One last thing - - if you wind up on a really big ship, consider packing lightly enough so that you can cart your own bags on and off the ship. At the end of the cruise, the big ships assign you a disembark (?) time, and I'm pretty sure the high rollers get priority. If you're willing to lug your own bags, some cruise lines let you depart immediately. That may give you time to see or do more things in your final port city, or time to catch an earlier or cheaper flight home that day.

 

Have a great time - - it's hard not to on a cruise!

[Just Jack]

One last thing - - if you wind up on a really big ship, consider packing lightly enough so that you can cart your own bags on and off the ship. At the end of the cruise, the big ships assign you a disembark (?) time, and I'm pretty sure the high rollers get priority. If you're willing to lug your own bags, some cruise lines let you depart immediately. That may give you time to see or do more things in your final port city, or time to catch an earlier or cheaper flight home that day.

 

When I did Australia/New Zealand, our time to get off at Auckland was an hour later than listed. We were doing a city tour, and my belief is that our bus was late arriving to the terminal. It was painful though sitting there listening to all the other groups being called, and just sitting there waiting.

[PromoTheRobot]

I don't know what you are looking for on a cruise. I'm pretty easy to please. Good food, decent entertainment, clean cabin, no unpleasant surprises. I've been on two Carnival cruises (W. Caribbean & Bahamas) and both were fine. When you consider what a cruise costs you it's a good value. Like an all-inclusive resort for around $100 a day.

 

But now that I've been on cruises I'm not in a hurry to do it again. First time it was all shiny and new. Second time it was less impressive because we knew what to expect. You can just look at the Royal Caribbean mega-ships and know it's a whole 'nuther level. I've heard good things about NCL cruises too.

 

If I do another cruise it will be Boston/Bermuda on NCL. Just an hour from me so no need to spend on airfare.

 

PTR

[Keukasmallies]

Many cargo lines have several staterooms on each ship that are designed to carry passengers. If you Google cruising on a freighter, you'll find there are travel agencies that specialize in arranging trips on working ships--good food, tons of leisure time, few "cruise line" amenities, destinations are often changed as the demands of cargo determine ports of call. More jeans and dockers than cummerbunds and shined shoes, but an excellent time for the right kind of passenger.

[mead107]

Wife and I head out in June (15) with daughter and family Boston to Nova Scotia end in Quebec . Than drive back to Boston.

[ExiledInIllinois]

Look into what companies let you BYOB (alcohol)... I was just reading that some won't let you take alcohol on board, like wine or whatever. I think Disney is pretty fair... Which surprised me. I thought they would be tighter on it being family orientated.

[ExiledInIllinois]

 

 

This is insane! I didn't know you can hop on a cargo liner. I would be tempted to try it for the experience.

 

But I can't imagine it would be much cheaper than a regular cruise. I spent less than 500 bucks for a 7-day western carribean once.

 

There was a write up about this... I forget which paper... Maybe the Chicago Tribune? Google it, pretty interesting... You are @ the discretion the shipping company's schedule... You may even be expected to put in some work?

Edited May 21, 2013 by ExiledInIllinois

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

Wife and I head out in June (15) with daughter and family Boston to Nova Scotia end in Quebec . Than drive back to Boston.

Nova Scotia is awesome. Lived there 6 years.

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

You couldn't pay me enough to take a cruise

[Doc]

Look into what companies let you BYOB (alcohol)... I was just reading that some won't let you take alcohol on board, like wine or whatever. I think Disney is pretty fair... Which surprised me. I thought they would be tighter on it being family orientated.

Yep. Disney will let you take as much alcohol (and bottled water) on-board as you can carry-on.

[Rob's House]

I've cruised Carnival 3 times, NCL once, and Dolphin once. Had a great time on every one (although one of the Carnvial cruises had an engine room fire and we were stuck at sea for 24 hrs, but it was still a lot of fun).

 

Carnival has slightly better food than NCL - both are decent, but neither are anything special. I've never had trouble smuggling liquor onto Carnival; NCL caught 2 of my 3 bottles and held them til the end of the cruise. If you're a light drinker you may do well just to pay for your drinks, but at $5+ for a Miller light, a heavy drinker will want to smuggle some on. If you put plastic pints of your favorite spirits in your pockets you should be fine. You can always re-up at the ports (just remember to bring it on in your pockets rather than your bags).

 

Most of the entertainment is pretty lame, but that's not what I'm there for. I'm always just stoked I'm on a mother !@#$ing boat.

[LabattBlue]

I've never been on a cruise, but have been thinking about finally taking one. Not to sound anti-social, but do they still make you sit with a group for meals? Sorry but I have no interest in paying $$$ to dine with strangers.

[Keukasmallies]

I think I'll skip the packing and travel to a port city and just see if I can't find an engine room fire around here to watch....

[Fezmid]

I've never been on a cruise, but have been thinking about finally taking one. Not to sound anti-social, but do they still make you sit with a group for meals? Sorry but I have no interest in paying $$$ to dine with strangers.

You generally get to pick how big of a table you want to sit at for dinner.

 

We actually like meeting new people, so enjoy having dinner with others. In fact, when we went on our Mediterranean cruise, they sat us at a table with a couple from Rochester, NY - that was pretty cool. They also sat us with four people who spoke Spanish... They were friendly, but communication was difficult (to be fair, one of them was a banker in England, so he spoke English too - but those four pretty much talked with themselves and we hung out with the Rochester couple).

 

On our recent trip to the Bahamas, we were at a table for four, but the other two people never showed up for dinner.

[eball]

I'll chime in. Have been on two cruises -- a 5-day on Celebrity and 7-day on RC; both Caribbean. RC definitely a step up. I was a guy who, before going on my first cruise, thought "why would I want to do this?" I'm a convert -- they are a blast. Someday we'll do a cruise with some desinations we actually want to visit (European river cruise or something like that) but for simply "getting away" and enjoying nice weather the Caribbean cruises are great. Don't care much for the excursions; we would just get off the boat and make our own way around, and seek out local advice. If you're on the right boat you don't even care to get off. We cruised on Oasis of the Seas on RC and that ship is pretty remarkable.

 

If you don't mind spending the extra money, the specialty restaurants generally seemed to be worth it. The Chef's Table dinner on RC was unbelievable -- six or seven courses with wine for a table of 12-14.

 

Going back on Oasis of the Seas in October out of Ft. Lauderdale -- the cruise returns on Saturday, Oct. 19, so we're going to stay down there an extra couple of days and see the Bills/Fish on the 20th!

[Wayne Cubed]

I've never been on a cruise, but have been thinking about finally taking one. Not to sound anti-social, but do they still make you sit with a group for meals? Sorry but I have no interest in paying $$$ to dine with strangers.

 

The cruise I went on, the couple we were going to share a table with didn't show up for any of the evening dinners. So, you could get lucky that way.

[Fezmid]

Have been on two cruises -- a 5-day on Celebrity and 7-day on RC; both Caribbean. RC definitely a step up.

Celebrity is actually a step up over RCL (both owned by the same company). Celebrity is more upscale of a cruise line - better customer service, better food. That said, the Oasis is an amazing ship from what I've seen, far better than Celebrity's ships.

[eball]

Celebrity is actually a step up over RCL (both owned by the same company). Celebrity is more upscale of a cruise line - better customer service, better food. That said, the Oasis is an amazing ship from what I've seen, far better than Celebrity's ships.

 

Ahh, didn't know that. Probably because we were on an older Celebrity ship vs. the brand spanking new Oasis.

[Chilly]

I've cruised Carnival 3 times, NCL once, and Dolphin once. Had a great time on every one (although one of the Carnvial cruises had an engine room fire and we were stuck at sea for 24 hrs, but it was still a lot of fun).

 

Carnival has slightly better food than NCL - both are decent, but neither are anything special. I've never had trouble smuggling liquor onto Carnival; NCL caught 2 of my 3 bottles and held them til the end of the cruise. If you're a light drinker you may do well just to pay for your drinks, but at $5+ for a Miller light, a heavy drinker will want to smuggle some on. If you put plastic pints of your favorite spirits in your pockets you should be fine. You can always re-up at the ports (just remember to bring it on in your pockets rather than your bags).

 

Most of the entertainment is pretty lame, but that's not what I'm there for. I'm always just stoked I'm on a mother !@#$ing boat.

 

Check out the ncl epic for entertainment. Blue man group, cirque du soliel, legends in concert, second city improv.

 

Love that boat.

 

I've never been on a cruise, but have been thinking about finally taking one. Not to sound anti-social, but do they still make you sit with a group for meals? Sorry but I have no interest in paying $$$ to dine with strangers.

 

I agree, it's one of the reasons I love ncl. No set dining times, tables as big as your group.