what is the best cruise line to go with we want to go to the Caribbean? and when is the best time to go?

Question

no kids if possible

Answer 1

We have just returned from our second Caribbean cruise with MSC Cruises. We sailed on the Lirica and were thrilled with the warm welcome from staff who recognised us from last year. It is a small ship with all the facilities you could want, but with a degree of friendliness you would not have on larger vessels. It being an Italian ship, we were able to enjoy Italian cuisine and culture and European passengers outnumbered North Americans. There is an excellent itinerary on both legs of the cruise (we did Central America last year and the Eastern Caribbean this year), with good excursions and varied entertainment on board. I would recommend them heartily. http://aa.cruises.com/c/cruiseline.asp?lineid=71
We booked online with an organisation which is always able to offer substantial discounts. http://www.vacationstogo.com/

Caribbean cruises are only available in the winter and spring months, where there is no danger of hurricanes, and afterwards the ships reposition and cruise in Europe and elsewhere.

Answer 2

I've been on all 3 lines with both family and friends and depending on what you are looking for, you will know which line is right for you. Princess-Very elegant, caters towards a more older crowd. Great if you really want to relax with not too much hoopla. Carnival-It's not called the "Fun Ship" for nothing. There is always something to do. However, it is very family oriented and if you don't really feel like dealing with a lot of kids, this may not be the best choice for you. Royal Caribbean-If you are a young adult (21+) this is perfect. There is a good mix of families and singles on board and there is loads to do on this line as well. The nightlife is great. The bigger the ship, the more on board activities (same can be said for all 3 lines). Everything is included on a cruise except the tours and your alcohol. If you are cruising on a line that has specialty restaurants or coffee bars, those will cost you extra money as well. Some lines include your soda, some don't. Most have juice and iced tea machines that are free all the time. The bottled water in your cabin isn't free, neither is the soda. For all intents and purposes, your food is included and it's all you can eat. Most lines are including the tips in the price of the cruise, so check for that. If not, it is customary to tip at the end of the cruise. That can add up. I hope that helps you out some. Bon Voyage!

Answer 3

Hi Julia,

We have had 4 cruises with Ocean Village, both in the Caribbean and the med. It was brilliant. I cannot speak highly enough of the ship and crew. (They now have 2 ships doing different routes)

There were a few kids but we needed them as bait when we went shark fishing. They really do know how to splash and scream in just the right way to attract sharks.

If you go during term time, there are very few kids if any. We went 2 weeks before the little darlings finished for xmas.

Great value for money.

Hope you have a great time whoever you cruise with.

Answer 4

All major cruise lines visit the caribbean & offer many different itineraries.

Adult only ships - Arcadia (fantastic 2 week caribbean itineraries). Can be quite formal in the evenings, but sometimes getting dressed up is part of the fun!

Other options that are good for couples and don't actively promote childrens facilities onboard are Holland America & Celebrity.

Answer 5

Well the best time to go is our winter best months jan feb march try and avoid the summer especially september its the tropical/hurricane season!! If you want to avoid kids P&O have 2 adult only ships the Arcadia and the Artemis, alo Celebrity do do adult only cruises so you could maybe ask your travel agent which ones they are however Celebrity ships arnt geared up for kids so you probably wouldnt see that many if any anyway. HAPPY CRUISING!!

Answer 6

I did a cruise & it was a nightmare (Carnival), DO NOT DO IT! Go to Sandals all inclusive resorts. You never take out your wallet unless you leave the resort. Tansportation, food, taxes everything is included. They're adult only & have so much to offer. I'm going this July with flight from VPS it cost 2900$ for 4 nights in nassau bahamas. We are going to sail, scuba, kayak, ski & a lotta more. my sister & her husnabd go every year & thay Love it. They have a special going on right now, but I don't know how much longer. You don't have to pay all up front, you can make payments toward your reservation.

Answer 7

Then rule out Carnival.... lots of kids. I went to the Carribean around now and it was great , but it's mid winter break/reading week for many schools and universities for the next few weeks so if you want to avoid kids, you probably don't want to go now.

Royal Carribean is a good line , I think talking to a travel agent would probably be your best bet as he/she could get you the best deal .

Answer 8

Check out www.cariberesource.com for information about all the cruise lines all in one place so you are not switching back-n-forth from each individual cruise website. Lots of good current information about which cruises are best for which type of people. Good Luck & HAVE FUN...remember, if all else fails, JUST ADD RUM !!!!!!!

Answer 9

We just returned from a cruise on the Crown Princess. It was a great trip. The staff was very attentive, lots of food choices and entertainment.

Answer 10

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Lines) as recommended by Robert W here, is very good. Have used them five times and enjoyed it every time except for the last trip (Texaribbean) which was not so good!