Have you been on a cruise?

Question

My wife and I have "batted" about the idea of taking a cruise. Neither of us have done so before, and we don't know what to expect.

If you've been, how did you enjoy the experience, +/- vs. a traditional vacation, what are some good destinations?

Answer 1

Taking a cruise is a wonderful vacation! Arrive at port, board the ship & your vacation begins.
Most people head to the buffet as soon as they board, grab a bite to eat & get to know the ship. Usually can't get to your stateroom until 1:00 p.m. & luggage can arrive quite late ( mine once arrived 11:00 p.m. ) Divide your clothing up between 2 suitcases in case luggage is "lost" Bring a carry-on with a change of clothes, medications, etc.
If you want spa or shore excursions, sign up for them A.S.A.P as space fills fast. Most ports of call will have many tourguides waiting to get your business as soon as you get off the ship if you want to "play it by ear"
A cruise offers you entertainment, dining & activites all in one!
If your prone to motion sickeness I suggest buying a wristband that sends electric pulses to your brain... I have 1 ( never had to use it yet ) but many clients of mine swear by them.
We have been on 4 cruises as well as several all-inclusive vacations & my favorite vacation has been the short cruise on Carnival... but that's just me.
Also, the time in some ports are quite limited & often have to be tendered ( especially on mega sized ships ). The wait can be long for getting on & off the ship, really cutting down your time in port.
I would suggest you try a short cruise, 3-5 day to see how you enjoy it... go in the off-season when prices are lower & the ships are less crowded

Hope this helps!

Wendy

Answer 2

You can't beat a cruise vacation. For the cost of the cruise, you get all of your meals, and accommodations while visiting exotica and beautiful locations. We went to the Caribbean last summer, cost us about 600 a person, so for 1200 we had a room, all meals, and a whale-of a time. You can't take a lad vacation any cheaper, and be spoiled as much. If your a veteran many cruise lines will offer discounts if you book the cruise far enough in advance. Booking early will always get you the lowest price. But the good thing is, if you book early, and the price of the cruise goes down, they will reimburse you the difference. Yet, they don't raise the prices if the cost goes up. Anywhere in the Caribbean is nice, our favorite destination is Cozumel, with the beautiful beaches and water so clear you can see for miles. Alaska, is my all time favorite cruise destination, but is quite a bit more expensive than a Caribbean cruise.

Answer 3

My wife and I have been on eight cruises and plan to do twomore 2007. We used to do land but are now totally sold on sea. It is huge fun on board a cruise ship. Accommodation is usually good, food is great and served 24/7, there is plenty of fun and activities one can participate in and entertainment is usually superd and best of all, you do not need to pack and unpack every day, nor worry about your stateroom which is always kept tidy. Cruise staff are alwlays helpful and friendly and if you wish to join optional tours during stopovers, choices are wide and interesting. Further more, you meet all kinds of people of many nationalities. I do not where you come from and when your holidays begin. The Carribbeans is always interesting year round and summer time is great for the Mediterranean while South America to me, is best cruised year end/year beginning and of course, Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands can be great mid year. If money is no object and time is all yours, how about a world cruise on the QE or QM2? There are many cruise companies with great ships - one is really spoilt for choice. I suggest you do not cruise; you may become an addict!

Answer 4

We have been cruising for more than ten years. I am disabled and it is the easiest way for me to travel. We go on four cruises a year - so I guess you could say we like cruising. In the beginning until we got our 'sea legs' we had some rough times -- even on the Queen Mary II. We have been to the Caribbean, Bermuda, St. Kitts, Bahamas, St. Martin, etc.; also to Alaska and Canada. I would go back and do in a heartbeat. Am leaving in less than a month for Caribbean for 11 days.

If you have a good travel agent you're one step ahead of the game. I personally use vacationstogo.com Scotty Mintz. he knows my disability and looks out for me. We just returned from Hawaii on Infinity out of LA.

Everything is included, room, meals, entertainment, so you can't beat the price, especially if you get a good deal to begin with. Ships offer tours which I highly recommend - best way to see sights and be sure to get back on time.

Good luck!

Answer 5

well i've been on 5 cruises so i can help u... ok if u want a room go to a higher level because wen ur lower u feels the waves which make u sick.... and do no be cautious of everything.. just have patches and take pills b4 u even go on the ship.. i've been to the crown princess(which was the one that tilted), i;ve been on the royal carribean twice, another princess, and a celeberity cruise... just if ur really motion sick then do not go.. i got sick 2 because there was a hurricane 400 miles away from us and the ship felt waves and i felt nauseated but all in all it was an amazing experience and u'll love it.. especially with ur wife

Answer 6

I would reccomend it. Food is taken care of, you get to visit more destinations in a short period of time and if you decide to back early there is still a lot to do on the ship. The only downside I experienced is if the weather is rough you cant pull up to the port, therefore no visit.... and you have a curfew to be back on to the ship.

Answer 7

Have been on two cruises a three day - and then we took a 7 day

really enjoyed them - one went to the Bahamas(3 day)

one went to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and New Orleans (don't think they go to N.O. anymore) (7 day)

both were on Carnival - liked the Lido deck food better than the formal dining (pizza 24hrs)

Anywhere Carnival goes is good in our opinion

Happy Sailing - and - Merry Christmas

Answer 8

If you like relaxing and eating then take a cruise.
However, the cruises in Egypt are very different as they are cultural so you see lots of sights.

Answer 9

You'll eat very much, basically the whole time in fact, when you're in port you may have events and destinations you may wish to see but make it back to the ship on time or you'll be expected to transport yourself to the next port, which may or may not be far away. They have lots of games and activities to do on board, but remember it is a holiday, so don't rush yourself. Relax, and you'll enjoy it.

Answer 10

Expect a fair amount of pampering. Expect to eat too much (I think it's mandatory). Expect to spend twice as much as you think you will. Expect to never get bored unless you want to be. Expect to have the best vacation for the price you pay.