It sounds like you want to go on a Carnival cruise. That line is known as the party boat that most young folks go on. But if you want better food and more refinement and still have a good time you should consider Royal Caribbean, Princess, or Celebrity. Do stay away from Disney.
The first rule in getting less expensive cruises is book early. The second rule is go with the same cruise line multiple times because they do offer repeat customer discounts of $50 to $100 per person in a cabin. The third rule is shop around for specials. Some lines will offer specials on a date that does not usually sell out, like Christmas or Thanksgiving week. So don't lock yourself in to one particular week of the year; be flexible.
If you have not cruised before and don't know the ropes it may be beneficial for you to use an agent; the agent does not charge a fee but is paid by the cruise line. But, also, do some home work on cruise line, itineraries, and ships. Use the cruise line web sites to look at what's being offered. Try to have in mind some of what you want to do when you talk to an agent. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can do your own booking online, the price is the same and you can do everything you need right on the web sites. The sites usually have cruises listed for this year and next. I booked my last two cruises completely online, including making payments and booking port tours.
Now most cruises are done by the next tier of cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Disney. Most of the ships for these lines are now 1500 to 2500 passenger ships. The ships are big but things are so well managed that you really don't feel crowded on them. Prices on these ship can be as low as $800 for a 7 day inside cabin and about $1200 for a balcony cabin. Most of these lines go to the same places, they are just in port on different days. When you dock there may be one or two other ships there for the day and some days there may not be any where you go. You may also want to consider Cunard and the Queen Mary II. The ship is fantastic and the prices are comparable with RC, NCL and Princess.
The format and service on all of these is about the same. I have found that the food on Celebrity, Princess and RC is a cut above what I have been told is served on Disney and Carnival.
Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian tend to have people who have cruised many times and are in the 40 and over age group; a more reserved crowd. All of these cruise lines may have some kids but not many. However, there are activities just for kids of different ages and staff persons assigned to supervise them most of the day. The last cruise we took on Celebrity had only about 7 or 8 kids all total.
Another important factor to consider is, ships going to the Caribbean tend to have more young folks than those going to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, or South America. People who go to the Caribbean are looking for things like beaches, jet skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving, parasailing, and a lot of other activities related to water and beaches. On the other hand, people who go to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, etc., are looking for cultural and historic activities. These tend to be the older people (40+). That does not mean these cruises are dull, it just means that the passengers are more mature and reserved. You will find the 40+ crowd in the bars and disco and having as good a time as the youngsters, but you may not hear them across the room or deck.
They are one of THE best vacations you can take. Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. Each day you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of each event. There are generally shows every evening, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.
All ships have a casino with slots and table games. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to. There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.
Some ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aromatherapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.
Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. There are demonstrations on ship like ice carving, napkin folding and towel folding, cooking demonstrations. Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tout of the bridge.
There are places on ships to play cards and board games and the games are provided. There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music. Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night.
Then there is always the pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot hots.
I suggest that you go to the web site for the cruise lines and look at the cabin prices, port stops, the features for the ships and select a cruise that will do what you want to do. Then you may want to talk to an agent and see if they can find what you want. Then decide whether you want to book your self or have an agent do it for you. I always suggest a balcony cabin, or a suite, they are more relaxing and fun.
Is that enough info???
2006-07-13 10:31:13
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answer #1
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answered by TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only 7
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Well, since you want to avoid kids, that can kind of take away of lot of options. Based on your age and what you are looking for, I would say Carnival is perfect. Royal Caribbean is a little bit nicer line and also an option. But, the big problem is the kids. Both are very popular lines for families, mostly because they are lower priced and they have great kids programs.
If you want to avoid kids, you are going to need to look into a more expensive line, that is the best way. But then, you are getting into a situation where most people onboard are going to be older than you. Fewer kids clubs, means fewer families.
A smaller ship that is adults only may be something that interests you too. I would check out something like Windjammer.
You should consider contacting a travel agent. You don't have to pay anything to use a travel agent, but they can give you advice and information on what the best cruises lines will be for you.
2006-07-13 11:53:04
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answer #2
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answered by tech_fanatic 7
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I am going to assume that budgetary constraints are an issue for you so I will reccommend Carnival Cruises in a non-holiday, non-summer week or weekend. Carnival's cabins are large, their food has steadily improved and is improving with new gourmet chef menus, entertainment is better than average and it is called the Fun Ships for a reason. I would expect to find more singles on this cruise line than any other.
Royal Caribbean would be a second choice for an active vacation with ice-skating, rock wall climbing and on their new Freedom of the Seas, surfing onboard. Cabins are a lot smaller.
Alcholic beverages on board are at least equal to the price you will pay in a bar plus they add a 15% tip automatically.
Also check out http://www.singlescruise.com/.
2006-07-13 10:18:03
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Royal Carribean is NICE!! Though, I've been only told from many friends. I actually went on Carnival cruise lines. All I can say is there is ALOT of children on that cruise line. I went on the Jubilee, and the Imagination from Carnival. No problems,but not much to do. I would recommend Royal Carribbean because of how much my friends have raved about it. Check out the website for their amenities! Have fun.
2006-07-13 08:27:53
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answer #4
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answered by «Brooklyn♥09» 3
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if you want to avoid alot of kids, go when school is in session. avoid summers , holidays, spring break etc. For a 25yr old Carnival or Royal Carribean would work well for you. You may have a better time doing a western carribean route than the bahamas though.
check cruisecritic.com and go to the message boards. you can find out almost anything about cruising.
2006-07-13 09:44:30
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answer #5
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answered by Sportsterjohn 5
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Greetings,
I do not know when your birthday is but we offer single cruises as well as regular cruises. Please visit http://www.ytb.com/godsgirl2travel Once on the home page just click on the cruise tab and you can search from destinations or you can search by cruise line. Also on the home page, click vacations and select singles travel. You can get information on some of the upcoming cruises that are being planned. Hope this helps..and Happy Early Birthday
2006-07-13 11:53:09
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Crystal Cruise Line is very good, that's what I've heard. I'm going on a cruise on their ship soon, and they're supposed to be one of the best. I hope so!
It says this on their website: Crystal Cruises is voted World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line eleven years in a row.
http://www.crystalcruises.com/home.aspx
Hope this helps!
2006-07-13 09:50:41
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answer #7
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answered by skynyrdfan322 2
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Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, they are ALL family based cruises, and will see lots of kids....
Depending on what time of year, there will be less kids than other times, do to school being in session...
now to be guaranteed of no kids....I have several suggestions..
Oceania cruise lines are more adult only...
http://www.oceaniacruises.com/T_Home2.aspx?PageUID=64bba38e-d8cb-466d-8b9a-7dd908f1ff1c
The yachts of seabourn is the BEST....for adults only...
http://www.seabourn.com/
These are more upscaled cruiselines that cater to adults..
If these dont catch your eye...ask your travel agent to check on singles cruises for you..we have access to all the promotions on all the cruise lines..
2006-07-13 08:59:32
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answer #8
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answered by rhonda d 3
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I'd take a southern caribbean cruise, you'll like it.
http://1cheapcruise.com
2006-07-13 11:18:31
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answer #9
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answered by dannyborga 2
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Try these sites below. They offer good deals and great locations... good luck and have fun!
2006-07-13 08:10:13
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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