Cruise Question??

Question

I am taking my wife on a Cruise for her birthday in April. I have it narrowed down between a Bahama cruise or a Western Caribbean cruise. Anyone have any opinions on which would be best for first time cruisers??? I am thinking of picking Carnival cruise, Is that a good idea?? I would appreciate any help. Thank you

Answer 1

Carnival cruises are magnificent! Very reliable and clean. The Bahamas are beautiful. My parents went there last year and loved it. But western Caribbean islands are also beautiful. I went on a cruise (through Carnival of course!) with my family to Cozumel Mexico and the Cayman Islands (a 5-day cruise) and we went shopping and to the ruins of Tulum in Mexico. In the Cayman Islands we swam with stingrays(I would highly recommend it!!).

I think you should choose western Caribbean because, coming from someone who has been there, it's awfully warm but well worth it! And you could see a historical piece of mexico if you choose that tour in Cozumel :-) And in Grand Cayman, the stingrays are fascinating!

I hope you enjoy your trip and I hope my answer was helpful to you! Thanks for your time :-)

Answer 2

First thing is if you are in your 20's or 30"s and like to party, party, party then go on Carnival. If you are older or prefer a more reserved crowd and better food and accommodations then skip Carnival and try NCL, Princess or Royal Caribbean. My first choice would be Royal Caribbean.

A Bahamas cruise will be a 3 or 4 day cruise with one stop in the Bahamas and then a day at the cruise lines' private island for a beach party. All you will see of the Caribbean is the Bahamas, probably Nassau. That's a good first time cruise and an inexpensive option.

If you want more variety you probably will need a 5 to 7 day cruise to the Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean cruises typically go to St Thomas, St Martain and then have a private island stop. If your wife loves shopping, especially for jewelry, then St Thomas is the place. The Western Caribbean cruises typically go to Cozumel, Gran Caymon and Jamaica. Some may also do Key West or a private island. The Western Caribbean route offers more variety and tour options than simply going to the Bahamas.

I have been on Princess, NCL, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity and done both the Eastern and Western caribbean trips.

Answer 3

Take the cruise you think have the better islands. In my opinion the further south you go, the better. Like the cruises that leave out of San Juan. You don't end up having any days at sea either, or perhaps just one and in my opinion, the less, the better. You can get plenty of ship time at night or early mornings.

I'd suggest buying your own snorkel equipment so you don't have to buy into their snorkel packages and just hop in a taxi when you get off the ship. The taxi driver will pick you up when you ask too. Trust all of them. They need the money. Have some tip money for them. They also know the best beaches to go to, too. Say if you want one with a bar, or somewhere private, or good snorkeling...they'll know. They live there!

One of the ships best excursions...is the drinking cruise, a catamaran sail and snorkel. Otherwise, book an excursion from online going right to the shop that's having the excursion, if you were to take one.

As for Carnival....
I'm older then the average age on Carnival, but out of all the cruises I've been on, I really enjoyed Carnival the most because there was so much going on the ship for everyone. The days at sea, if I were to choose, Carnival had a lot of fun games for people in their twenties. Pool games, scavenger hunts...roll on a log in the pool, put veggies down your suit (who can fit the most)...my husband loved to watch that!

Here's a site that I usually find something for cheap travel bookings. iBtraveling.com You should find a deal there.

Have fun and good luck!

Answer 4

Western Caribbean is fantastic. I would suggest that as your first cruise. Then after you get the bug and want to cruise again it is really easy to escape for a long weekend and do a Bahamas cruise.

I've been on Carnival and loved it. Make sure you pick a cruise that has long stops at the destinations. It is really annoying to head out into town and have to keep watching your watch because you only have 2 hours in port. Keep in mind it takes a while to get off and back on the boat. This is especially important if you plan on doing any excursions (trips off the boat). I would strongly recommend you book them through the cruise line for your first time as many people get ripped off trying to save a buck with local vendors.

Also for your first cruise I would suggest an exterior cabin. It is a little more money but it helps to see the horizon for sea sickness (at least it helped me tons). Plus we got a window (not just a porthole) and it was big enough to sit in and watch the sunset. It was really really beautiful.

If you book your cruise on Yahoo you can pay it off in installments (up to 2 months before) which is always nice.

Answer 5

You will love Carnival, and I think it is a good ship for first time cruisers because of the price-- you can find great deals. I have only been on Western Carribean but am currently planning our Eastern Carribean trip right now. I think the ports of call depend on your personality. I think Western Carribean has a lot of adventure (cave tubing, Dunns River falls, kayaking etc.). From what I can tell from reviews, the Eastern Carribean is a bit more laid back, although there are still some adventursome things to do if that is your fancy. My husband and I love to go and emerse ourselves in the culture, and it looks like the Eastern Carribean will allow us to do that a bit better with the smallness of the islands that we are going to. I would check out the website below, they have really good reviews of all cruise ships and list them by cruise itinerary, so it's a good way to check out what other people think of the ports and the ships themselves. I've also listed several good places to check out prices. Have fun!!!

Answer 6

western caribbean is great haven't went to the Bahamas yet but will this fall. carnival is good i hear if your real young and are drinkers i'm a royal caribbean lady my self but at any rate you will have fun and your wife will have a birthday she will always remember good for you. a thoughtful husband and i thought they were no longer around lol

Answer 7

i didn't like western except for grand caymans. last time they wouldn't shuttle to caymans because of 4 foot waves. only thing i really wanted to do . carnival OK . but liked princess lines better,
i liked ncl freestyle best . no schedule do your one thing. for meals. was nice.