Cruise ship search...?

Question

I want to go on a cruise ship for my honeymoon, but I want something that's affordable. Can anyone give me some advice on this?

Answer 1

Most of the cruise lines have their prices for each cruise posted on the web and these prices can and do vary by date. A cruise that is $1200 one week may be $900, a different week. So the best thing for you to do is go to the web sites and shop around.

Here's what you need to know when looking/shopping.:

Most cruises are done by the cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Disney. Most of the ships for these lines are now 1500 to 2500 passenger ships. The ships are big but things are so well managed that you really don't feel crowded on them. Prices on these ship can be as low as $800 for a 7 day inside cabin and about $1200 for a balcony cabin. Most of these lines go to the same places, they are just in port on different days. When you dock there may be one or two other ships there for the day and some days there may not be any where you go.

The first rule in getting less expensive cruises is book early. The second rule is go with the same cruise line multiple times because they do offer repeat customer discounts of $50 to $100 per person in a cabin. The third rule is shop around for specials. Some lines will offer specials on a date that does not usually sell out, like Christmas or Thanksgiving week. So don't lock yourself in to one particular week of the year; be flexible.

If you have not cruised before and don't know the ropes it may be beneficial for you to use an agent; the agent does not charge a fee but is paid by the cruise line. But, also, do some home work on cruise line, itineraries, and ships. Use the cruise line web sites to look at what's being offered. Try to have in mind some of what you want to do when you talk to an agent. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can do your own booking online, the price is the same and you can do everything you need right on the web sites. The sites usually have cruises listed for this year and next. I booked my last two cruises completely online, including making payments and booking port tours. The format and service on all of these is about the same.

I have found that the food on Celebrity, Princess and RC is a cut above what I have been told is served on Disney and Carnival. Disney has good ships but is primarily for kids, and families with kids. It does have adults only areas on ship, but the kids are still there on ship. They will have lots of kids’ activities on the ships, but they will still be all over the hallways, elevators and dining facilities. There will be lots of kids running around and looking for Micky, Donald, Minnie, Goofie, etc all over the ship.

Carnival is the fun ship, but their accommodations are not the best. Carnival is the budget party cruise line that most young folks and first time cruisers take (ages 20 to 35) who want to party, party, party. If that’s what you are looking for then Carnival is the one for you.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian tend to have people who have cruised many times and are in the 40 and over age group; a more reserved crowd. All of these cruise lines may also have some kids but not many. However, on these lines there are activities just for kids of different ages and staff persons assigned to supervise them most of the day.

Another important factor to consider is, cruises going to the Caribbean tend to have more young folks than those going to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, or South America. People who go to the Caribbean are looking for fun things like beaches, jet skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving, parasailing, and a lot of other activities related to water and beaches. On the other hand, people who go to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, etc., are looking for cultural and historic activities. These cruisers tend to be the older people (40+). That does not mean these cruises are dull, it just means that the passengers are more mature and reserved. You will find the 40+ crowd in the bars and disco and having as good a time as the youngsters, but you may not hear them across the room or deck.

Sometimes people get confused by the categories on ship that agents or the web sites refer to. Categories are simply a listing of the different types of cabins on the ship by size, location and amenities. Categories are the price structure. What you need to know and understand is that the category designations DO NOT mean the same thing on all cruise lines. For example, a Cat "C" on a Carnival ship is NOT the same as a Cat "C" on a Norwegian or Royal Caribbean ship. AND, a category "C" is not necessarily the same across all of the ships in a cruise line. However, there is one exception to this. Some times cruise lines build TWO OR MORE IDENTICAL ships. So all of the cabins on both ships are the same and thus the categories for these two are the same. For example, a Cat "D"on the RC's Jewel of the Seas is identical with a Cat “D” on their Brilliance of the Seas because the ships are identical. Same with the NCL's Dream and its Wind ships.

If/when you go to a cruise line web site you will see the various cabins listed by type, i.e., SUITE, VERANDA/BALCONY, OUTSIDE, and INSIDE. the category, and generally the square footage of each cabin type. The category will generally be listed next to the cabin type. The most expensive cabins are the penthouses and owners' suites, which are like apartments and what you saw on the old TV program "The Love Boat". Next are the jr and full suites . The next are the VERANDA or BALCONY cabins (you have your own private patio). The next lowest priced are OUTSIDE cabins (they have either a window or porthole). The cheapest cabins offered are always the inside cabins; those without a window or porthole. The inside, outside and balcony cabins are generally the same size on each ship, but may vary by ship and cruise line.

I always recommend the balcony or Veranda cabins because most ships these days tend to have many of them at a reasonable price (i.e., $1200 to $1500 for a 7-day.) and, frankly, you will enjoy your cruise more with a veranda/balcony cabin.

First of all the terms "cabin" and "stateroom" mean the same thing; the cruise industry prefers stateroom. The standard cabin that most people get (inside/outside/balcony) are generally between 175 and 200 Square feet, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom (balconies are about 45 to 55 sq ft). Suites and penthouses can be between 350 and 1300 square feet. Each cabin has a two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, and a life jacket for each passenger. Some cabins that are built to accommodate 3 or 4 people will have a pull down bed and/or a sofa bed. Its been my experience that Princess and Royal Caribbean have the best ship and cabin decor (also some of the best food.)

The shorter cruises are 4 or 5 days, and the normal ones are either 7 to 14 days or more. If you are not sure whether you will like cruising, go on a short one first.

To save some money, consider driving to the port; Miami, Ft Lauderdale, N.O., Houston, LA, NJ. Most ports have plentiful and safe parking (I have driven many times to Miami and Ft Lauderdale) at both places that costs about $12 a day. Driving can save money over the cruise line "add-in" for airfare. We generally drive most of the way on one day from NC and stop about an hour or two from the port for the night. Then we continue the short trip the next day to the port. Most ships start boarding between noon and 1:00 PM. If you are a cruise club member you generally get to go on first, or early.

Join the cruise club so that the cruise line will send you their specials and so that you can get discounts on future cruises with them. The discount will typically be $50 to $100 per person. If you will be celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday during the cruise, be sure to tell them, they will do special stuff for that.

Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. Cruise lines charge a lot for the photos they take so take your own photos around the ship when you get the chance, especially on the formal nights. Ask other passengers to take photos for you, they generally are very willing.

Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own. On most Caribbean islands you can get a taxi or tour in port for much less than the cruise ship tours. HOWEVER, the one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THE SHIP WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your ship sponsored tour is late getting back to the ship. If you will be in a port for 12 to 16 hours you are probably safe to go on your own for most anything. But if you are only there for six to eight hours you may want to stay close to the ship or go on the ship tours.


OK, get busy looking at the web sites.

Answer 2

Just about all cruises are affordable now-a-days. Last minute cruises are even cheaper. I'd suggest getting a cabin with a window on the bottom deck, but in the middle of the ship so it won't rock you if there are waves. Two weeks before you set sail, call the cruise line directly and ask for a free upgrade. Take it if you want it...it might be closer to the pool up top, but then again it might be at the bow or stern. It won't matter much, because the ships are so big that you won't even feel the waves. If you have a bunch of days at sea, since it's your honeymoon...try and see if you can afford a balcony room. You'll feel like you own the ship. It's unreal. If you'd rather spend lots of days on an island with not too many days at sea (like me) then find a cruise out of San Juan. You got to better islands too. Bring your own snorkel gear, hop in a taxi when you get off the ship and ask the driver to bring you to a beach that has...a bar, good snorkeling, private beach..etc., and then ask him to pick you up at a certain time. He'll be there...they need the money. Bring tip money for those days. You can save a lot by doing this yourself instead of paying the cruise ship excursions. Same goes for the booze cruises...(do one of them if you can...catamaran cruises are best and lots of fun). Try this site: iBtraveling.com I usually find a great deal there. Wish you the best!

Answer 3

These answers are all fine and good, but its your honeymoon so do yourself a favor and contact a travel agent. Talk to them about what you'd like to do, what your interests are, and what type of budget you have. Then let the agent do what they do best - booking your travel.

Please consider the following advice as well, whatever you pay for the cruise, figure at least 1/2 that much or more for shore excursions, drinks (about $7 each), salon or spa treatments, casino, gratuities (about $11 per day per person), and souveniers. If the cost of your trip, for a 7 day cruise is not in your budget, consider a cruise for a shorter period of time however, a 3 day cruise is not worth the money.

If a cruise is not within your budget, consider an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico where your air, room, food, drinks, gratuities, and transportation are all included in one set price.

Congratulations and good luck!

Answer 4

I used to work on cruise ships. First of all, never pay full price. You can always get a discount on a cruise. There are travel agencies who deal only with cruises & generally offer deep discounts. If you can get a copy of Cruise Travel magazine they are all listed in there. I'm sure you can find them on line as well if you Google "discount cruises." As far as different cruise lines go: NCL is a nice cruise with good food & good amenities. RCCL(Royal Caribbean) is good too, although I think the food on NCL is a bit better. Carnival is a little cheaper, but the food isn't as good and they cater more to young people. Also, an inside cabin is cheaper, but since it's your honeymoon, you may want to go for the outside cabin. It's a great vacation, you get a lot for your money: food, lodging, and entertainment. Enjoy!!!

Answer 5

Princess cruise line hits about in the middle, not the cheapest, not the most expensive. Wonderful ships, best vacations you can take. There are 3 to 18 day cruises. Depends on where you want to go. Stay in an inside cabin and you can go for as little as $599 per person. Its all about which cabin you want to stay in. Want a cabin with balcony, your looking at least $1000 per person for a 7 day cruise. The cabin you want is what determines how expensive it will be. Actually, its a cheap vacation when you figure in that once your on the ship, all entertainment on board is free and all the best food you will ever want is free. Drinks you have to pay for. Gorgeous swimming pools, casino's, theaters, its a great time.

Answer 6

Depending on when you are getting married (and wanting to sail), you can do a Hawaii on Norwegian Cruise Line for less than $1000....$1400 with air. Of course, your location in the US can determine which itinerary would be most affordable for you....

I'd personally recommend you contact my Personal Cruise Consultant, Fran, at 866-234-0292, ext 7244. She can find you the best deal on an NCL cruise.

Answer 7

It would be cooler if you took someone with you on honeymoon!!
Check out the river cruises in Europe, they run to Germany Russia etc. great value!
www.russiabeyond.com.au

Answer 8

I cruise regularly and always use cruisevalue.com...I find their prices to be the best and the service is very good.

Answer 9

try the website I gave you ..
It has a popular getaways tab at the bottom that might be helpful ..
the site also has great deals ..

Good luck, and Congratulations!

Answer 10

go see your local travel agent... they have all the answers that you want to know..