My husband and I want to take a cruise with some of our other couple frineds. What cruise ships and?

Question

destinations should we consider? Is there a good cruise line that offers an ALL inclusive cruise? We would like to go for 7 to 9 days.

Answer 1

Fully all-inclusive cruise lines tend to be the most expensive of the lot, particularly Crystal Cruises, Seaborne and Silversea.

However, most cruises include everything except drinks and sometimes surcharge-applicable restaurants.

It depends on the type of company you and your friends prefer. For a relaxed, yet elegant journey I'd strongly suggest Princess, either on their Grand or Diamond Class ships, or their Coral Class ships. Their cruise to Alaska is phenomenal aboard the Coral Princess, and Princess is able to actually sail into both college fjord and glacier bay (which not all cruise lines are licensed to do due to environmental restrictions). Definitely make sure you get a cruise with both if you decide to go there.

If you want a more refined atmosphere with an older crowd, definitely look into Celebrity and Holland America Line. Elegant, luxurious and perhaps a bit stuffy, but overall excellent. For complete elegance, perhaps a little too much so, go for Cunard and take the Queen Mary 2 either on one of its Caribbean cruises or it's wonderful transatlantic crossing.

For a more adventurous cruise, try Royal Caribbean, whose ships have EVERYTHING YOU MIGHT EVER POSSIBLY EVEN CONTEMPLATE NEEDING on the seas. Avoid Empress of the Seas unless you like the "small ship feel". Also avoid Freedom of the Seas of a floating apartment block isn't your forte.

Lastly, for an ultra-casual, somewhat cheap but still fun experience, go for Carnival, though steer clear of their older ships.

Answer 2

Any one I have talked to that have been on numerous cruise lines, all agree the Alaskan Cruise is by far the best. So, we took an Alaskan cruise in August last year with Princess cruise lines. It was the greatest trip we have ever taken. We had a suite at the very back of the ship so we has no wind when we sat on the balcony, all our friends were coming over to be on our balcony out of the wind. The scenery is breath taking, the ship is beautiful, food great, workers great, and I hope we can do it again. I think all Alaskan cruises are at least 7 days long.

Answer 3

We took a 7 day all inclusive cruise for our honeymoon in May 2005. When you say all inclusive, that does not include alcoholic beverages, soda, gambling, excursions off the ship in different ports. We were on Carnival Destiny. It was alot of fun but.... We are a bit older (39 &42). I just didn't get into alot of the music that was way way loud and I swear some people on that ship were drunk the whole time they were on board. That is ok for some people.. just not our thing ya know?

One thing you definately need to ask before you sign on is: Are there certian times you have to wear certian types of cloths? I was really suprised to find out on some cruise lines they "frown" on you wearing shorts/jeans on deck or in the dining room after 4 pm. I ain't doin all that stuff. If I can't relax on MY vacation I will pick a different ship. And we did. Carnival.

Answer 4

I have taken both Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Carnival was horrible and Royal Caribbean was great.

I enjoyed Eastern Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands).. I saw Belize and Honduras on a Western Caribbean cruise. That was nice, there weren't a lot of tourists. I was disappointed in Grand Cayman and Bahamas. Haven't cruised outside the Caribbean.

I think most cruise lines make you pay additional for alcohol and excursions, but everything else is included.

Answer 5

We went to Panama Canal on Royal Caribbean with people we met on another cruise. We had a wonderful time. Tours and tips were extra. There were so many things to do and so many places to see, I recommend Panama Canal trip to anyone. I know there are cruise lines that offer everything, drinks, etc. and you pay for what you get. Good luck and have a wonderful time.

Answer 6

when you say all inclusive all cruises have food cabin entertainment included you get tea hot or iced lemon aid with meals alcohol and sodas you pay for .shore excursions are extra but all in all a great value for a vacation as cruise lines go i prefer rccl they are the best imho and your destination is up to you and your bank account lol but good luck and have a wonderful cruise

Answer 7

Carnival cruise that's what we took.We just came back from Cancun last month.We booked thru the following site.We took the trip from maimi,all inclusive with $669 per person/4 nights 5 days.The site is;
www.sptravel4u.biz or
www.sptravel.etravelfortune.com
Goodluck.

Answer 8

i would contact a qualified travel agent
1st
specify your dates budget travel dates destinations, youre interested in and season of travel for best advise and they will research all of your opptions
ive found great bargains on the longer cruises ie. 11 nights
are less than 7
i know a good agent so i allways get the best rates

Answer 9

I would suggest that you call Journeys travel at 800-833-3506. They can give you details on cruises, flights, packages, etc.
Ask for Darlene

Answer 10

youg wild crowd.......carnival.........caribbean/mexico/bahamas
relaxed crowd...........princess/royal caribbean.....hawaii/caribbean
older crowd.......celebrity.......panama canal/alaska