Which cruise line is best?

Question

I want to take a cruise with my husband when he gets back from Iraq in March. Problem is, I cannot book early because I am not sure exactly what date he will be back in March. So price is kind of a factor. I am definitely looking for a cruise line with little to no children. I am also looking for a cruise line that offers military discounts. If you could give me any ideas, suggestions, or tips, it would be great, as this will be a first cruise.

P.S. Before any of you mention anything about asking if my husband even wants to go on a cruise, YES he does.

Answer 1

Royal Carribean #1

I did it. Those people are 1st class. 100%. You can never go wrong with them. Great ships. All you can eat (you pay for alcohol). Great excursions. Tons of activities. Even got stuff for the kids so you can talk the whole family. You'll have fun. So will your husband.

Answer 2

That is going to be a matter of opinion, everyone has their own ideas on which is the best cruise line. I think Sapphire Princess is one fine ship. Not to many kids when we went in August. March on any ship should not have many kids. I don't think there is a bad ship out there. A cruise is the best vacation you can take, you both will have a great time.
Happy sailing.

Answer 3

Before we go any further, on behalf of all of us here, please say Thank You to your husband next time you speak to him, and wish him back home safely!!!

Now onto your question. The first question is where do you think you'd like to cruise?

The choices are constantly growing: the Caribbean has three options:
- Eastern, (generally; San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Martin, Nassau - this is my wife's favorite for shopping)
- Western ports (generally; Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel - usually more adventurous shore excursions).
- Southern (generally some combination of: St. Thomas, St. Martin, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, and Curacao - this is my favorite), but you'll need to fly to San Juan or the Dominican Republic.

The next question is how structured you want your cruise to be. Most ocean cruise lines have "assigned" dining times and various dress codes for dinner (formal nights, casual nights, etc.). Others have "Freestyle" or "Personal Choice" Dining. In other words, they have 4-8 restaurants for you to choose from, and you eat when, where, and with whom you want - and dress as casual as you please.

Your budget does come in to play in both departure city and cabin selection. A quick scale, from least expensive to most expensive cabin types is: Inside; Oceanview; Balcony; Suite. The best location for least motion is as close to mid-ship as possible - another factor that not too many people realize is that the higher decks have more motion than the lower decks.

As far as what's included and what's not included in your cruise price, here's a little guide:

- Included - Ship accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals, coffee/tea/juices, most entertainment, and port taxes.

- Not Included - Any item of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages, spa and salon treatments, specialty coffees, shore excursions, gratuities, air transportation, transfers, photographs, medical services,

Some final thoughts; 1) make sure you use a good travel agent; 2) ask your travel agent to price out "Celebrity Cruise Line" for you - absolutely the best (our personal favorite and probably your best bet for not having many children); and 3) I believe that all the major cruise lines are offering military rates.

Have fun on your cruise, and a salute to your husband from a Viet Nam era veteran!

Answer 4

In my opinion Carnival is the best bang for your buck. You can have alone time when you want and then there is party time. I have only travelled with Carnival. I like it because if I don't want to get dressed up for dinner I don't have to.