Carnival Cruise - serious responses please?

Question

I am planning a cruise in September, 2007. Is this a Hurricane month? Also, which carnival cruise is better for two single ladies looking for some non stop action. Don't want to be on a cruise that is "family oriented".

Answer 1

Mam's advice is excellent-- and here's something else to consider.

Generally....

Look into cruises that revolve around a schedule that is "like minded". For example, demographically speaking, most people in their 20's aren't able to go on a 10 day cruise... and they may not be as interested in destinations such as Alaska or the Panama Canal. Cruise durations and destinations say allot about who will be on the ships.
Also, timing of the cruise will dictate who will be onboard. If you try going during a school break/recess--- you'll see more families, after all, typically most families plan vacations around school holidays!

September is a hurricane month... but even then, cruiselines will alter their course and change destinations should the need arise.

You will have a great time regardless of when you go, because there is always a party somewhere. And if you're looking for a cruise with more partiers... check out cruises with durations under 7 days, and those with destinations like Cozumel, Grand Caymon, Bahamas and USVI....

Answer 2

Any of the Carnival ships will be what you're looking for in a cruise. Here's my suggestions:

As for cruises, my suggestion would be to take one leaving San Juan since there aren't as many days at sea and you go to better islands. You can get plenty of time on board the ship at night.

Buy your own snorkel gear here so you won't have to spend about $30 for a ship excursion once you get to an island. Just get off the ship, head to a taxi and ask him where is the best place to snorkel, or a beach that has a bar, or ... whatever your interests happen to be and he'll know the best spot. He'll pick you up when you ask too, just bring a few extra bucks for a tip.

If you've got days at sea...and you've got the money, then a balcony is well worth the price since you'll feel that you "own" the ship with so much privacy. It's wonderful to say the least, otherwise, book a cabin with a window. (I had a hard time in a windowless cabin, but that's me.).

Two weeks before you set sail, call the cruise line directly and see if there are any free upgrades. Sometimes this might work, depending upon how filled it is.

I usually find a good deal by comparing prices for cruises here: iBtraveling.com This way you won't have to pay a travel agent's fee. If you can type...why not compare yourself for the deal you want best and type the info yourself? I've never had a problem, although I've read and learned that once you put your order in online for "anything" and you've used your credit card....That you should shut down your computer completely and restart it and start surfing again. Just to be safe.

Well, those are my thoughts. Hope they help. Enjoy

Answer 3

The longer the cruise the less chance of meeting some one. Only the older people can pay and spare the time for the 10 day or longer cruises.

Conversely, the shorter the cruise, say 3-7 days, the more apt you are to meet a younger crowd.

The 3/4 day cruises are like New Years Eve for the entire trip.
There aren't too many families on the short trips.

Answer 4

I will answer the most important question first. You DO NOT need a passport IF your cruise leaves from California and regardless of where it stop, it ALSO returns to California (OR any part of the US .. any US state) BEFORE December 31, 2007. But, if your cruise returns to the US AFTER December 31, 2007 then you will need a passport. The new passport law requiring ALL who enter the US by car, train, bus, plane or cruise ship to have a passport goes into effect on January 1, 2008. Unless your cruise ends in Ensenada your cruise ship stop there is more than likely a regulatory stop; only to meet a regulatory requirement that all US cruise ships stop in a foreign port. That is usually the case in cruises from the west coast of the US. Carnival and Princess cruise lines are actually owned by the same company; actually Carnival owns Princess. BUT, Carnival is the budget cruise line and the one that most young people ages 21 to about 35 go on, and also the ship that most first time cruiser go on. Its the party cruise line by reputation and actual. People who go say that they have a great time on Carnival ships (for the most part). Princess is a more upscale cruise line and that means the cabins are a little better, the food is a little better and the ship has a more reserved crowd. Now that does not mean that the people, many of whom will be in the 40 to 65 age range, do not have a great time. There will be some young people on the Princess ship but not as many as on Carnival. I have been on three Princess ships and they have great discos and lounges and the people have a great time. You just do not see people staggering down the hall or being loud at the pool areas. If I were making the selection I would go with princess since I absolutely loved all three of their ships that I have been on. We did the cruise to the Mexico Rivera, Cabo, Acapulco, and Puerta Vallarta in October 2004. The weather was great with one exception. The sailing was smooth and the weather was very pleasant but a hurricane came across Mexico and dissipated near one of our planned port stops. Because of that they diverted the ship to a different port. But we never had any bad weather, not even rain and it was sunny and warm enough to sit on the balcony or most anywhere on decks all day long. Since your cruise date is outside the hurricane time frame you should not have to worry about any of that type weather. My bet is that you will have great weather for the whole cruise like we did.

Answer 5

Mam's answer says it all. Great answer to your questions.

It is hurricane season but I have cruised twice during "hurricane season" and never came close to being bothered by one - let alone even have one anywhere when I was on the cruises. But do buy cruise insurance - well worth it if one does come up. The advantage is during the season, the rates are best. And in September, most kids are in school but there will still be a few no matter what. The best time for single younger crowd is around Spring Breaks, but they are also the most expensive because the occupancy is higher so they don't need to discount to attract passengers.

Answer 6

Try carnivals ship the Valor. Goes to the caribbean from Miami. There are things to do all the time, you will never be bored. The weather will be great! It is part of hurricane season, but if there is a hurricane nea by the cruise will chose a different route to take. Don't let that be the reason to not go, cruising is tons of fun!

Happy Cruising!

Answer 7

The most fun & lively cruises are on Carnival and on the 4 day cruises because they leave on Thurs. & return Mon. morning. A lot of singles and party goers take a long weekend to go on them. I think Calif. & Galveston have the best as far as lively singles. Florida is ok but has the tendency to have a few older people.

Don't go on a 5-day that leaves on Mon. and even the 5-day that leaves on Sat. is a little better, but the Thurs. is the best.
If you want a 7 day cruise, don't take the one out of Puerto Rico as most people don't want to pay extra to fly there; they rather spend their money on partying. Puerto Rico cruises stop at too many islands and people are too tired to party at night after going on shore excursions. Can't party on the islands much as the ships don't stay in port late and people get all spread out.

Any Carnival 7-day cruise is good; whether its out of Calif., Galveston or Floriday. Go on one that departs closest to your city; you might find mr. right and you don't want a 'long distant' relationship.

See a good travel agent whose prices are the same as on the web, sometimes less if they got a group going. I had a group going of club owners & patrons; my travel agent thru in a bunch of other people into our group and we all had a ball.
If you're outgoing & friendly you'll meet a lot of people; especially on the Texas cruises where people are more friendly than New Yorkers & others.

Answer 8

I went on a cruise last year - Imagination - it was amazing. I was with 5 of my girlfriends from college -we had the time of our life on that ship. There is always SO much to do - and Carnival is known for the 'funships' its like a constant party. We went to the Caymen Islands and Ocho rios, Jamaica. If you go to Jamaica - make sure to hit up Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville - it is out of control there. You see things there that you cannot believe is happening.

My friends and I are getting ready to go on another all girls cruise - 7 days this time on Carnival Victory - we cant wait. It is the best thing to do to have fun and you can meet a lot of people.

At night there are always events going on - or you can just hang out at the bars... there are always guys hanging out in the casinos.. that is where we met a lot of the guys on our last trip. Most of all - have fun... and dont worry about Hurricanes. I would definitely purchase travel insurance - but Talk to the Carnival Vacation Planner about that - they can tell you what their policies are about hurricanes. Email me and I can get you the guys name and number from Carnival that I use. HEs great. Have a good one.. enjoy!!

Answer 9

Carnival Cruises are the best for meeting younger people...

I have been on two Cruises with Carnival. We had a great time on both! Of course it was this week both years! (SPRING BREAK) Lots of neat places to hang out, eat, etc...

It really is a blast!

And yes, Sept. is still hurrican season.

Answer 10

Hurricane season is June 1- November 30 - Get trip insurance to cover all of your pre-paid non-refundable expenses. Carnival is not required to reimburse your cruise cost for hurricane - they have in the past as a good will gesture - not a requirement.
Try one of the smaller cruises - 3 day baja cruise out of Long Beach for example is one I book for a lot of singles.
Online at dating services or cruisecritic.com you may find single theme cruises already organized.