Have you ever been on a New Orleans to Carribean Cruise ?

Question

i'm looking to go ..on Carribean and/or Mexican Cruise from New Orleans.. but while looking at one site .. people rated the Carnival Cruise Line - Fantasy a 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. What experiences have you had ? What do you recomend or not ?

Thank You

i dont really like tourist areas.. but i've never been on a cruise.. do you think its still worth it ?

Answer 1

I went on a cruise about four years ago on the Carnival Holiday from New Orleans. It was my first cruise and I had fun. Also, you don't have to go to the "touristy" areas, there are several excersions to choose from. For example, I went on a horseback ride in Playa del Carmen or was it Cozumel, anyway it was set back aways from the shopping and such. We rode along the beach and were able to ride in the water. Then the workers fed us lunch, it was a really cool experience. I think you would like something similar to that.

Answer 2

The Fantasy is one of Carnival's smaller ships at just over 70 tons.

The Fantasy was built in 1990 and refurbished in 2005.

I have been on her sister ship, the Ecstasy and for a 4 or 5 day cruise, this class of ship is fine. She has most of the amenities of the larger ships.

The 4 and 5 day itinerary out of New Orleans visit Cozumel and Costa Maya. Cozumel's main industry is tourist.

We were on the Carnival Conquest last week and our tour guide told us that Cozumel gets about 40 cruise ships a week. Our ship was one of 5 ships in port that day.

However, the tour operators in Cozumel are masters at moving large masses of people and keeping you on time.

You can visit the beach, go shopping in the open air markets (avoid the mall shops) or take an organized tour. However, I would not recommend going too far away from the tourist areas.

I recommend the Cavern by Jeep and Beach Combo in Cozumel. You actually take a ferry over to Playa de Carmen. You drive a Jeep though Playa de Carmen and then get to swim in an underground river. Then back in the Jeeps to spend the afternoon at a private beach with an authentic Mexican meal.

Swim with the Dolphins was also fun. Submarine ride was kinda of boring.

Answer 3

We sailed on the Holiday out of New Orleans in '02. It was good, but the ship was fair at best. Everyone has their opinions though, and i have spoken with people who love the smaller ships with the shorter itineraries. I recommend going to www.cruisecritic.com and looking at the member reviews there. The website has been a great tool for me as I plan our 3rd cruise for this November, and will not only help you with the ship question, but the ports as well.

With you not liking tourist places, beware of cruises. Most ports that the cruise ships frequent are HUGE tourist areas. You have to travel out into the city to really get a feel of what the locals experience. That being said, with enough research, you will be able to get off of the beaten path, and still have a good time. Be aware however, that going out on your own will have some risk involved, as you are not with someone experienced in the area. If you are late to your ship and you are not on a cruiseline excursion, they will leave without you! If you know this prior to going on your cruise and you are diligent in doing your homework before you go, you should have a blast and be able to somewhat avoid the tourist traps that the cruise line will try to get you into. Seriously check out the cruise critic website... you will find more than enough info to help make your decision.

Answer 4

I only did cruises out of New Orleans on Holland America and I loved it.

Answer 5

Galveston Texas will offer you a better selection of ships..Mobile Alabama, and then NOLA.
Good luck
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