First time cruiser needs advice.?

Question

I am planning to go on a cruise with my boyfriend. Ihave never gone before and would like advice from people who have. Want to go to Bahamas or Carribean. Which cruise line is the best? Is it better to book now for May 2008? Should I go to a travel agency?Help.

Answer 1

Here is a good website to get an idea what's out there.
http://www.cruise.com
Here is another good site for questions and reviews.
http://www.cruisecritic.com

I would also check with a travel agency after you do some research. They have some very good contacts.

Sometimes booking early you will get a discount. Booking late you get a cheap price but no selection of cabins.

Good Luck
s

Answer 2

Most important: Get your passports now if you don't have them. They are required as of this year.

This is a very generic description but generally Carnival is cheaper and a party ship, NCL is 2nd cheapest but pretty good value with all age ranges, RCL is a bit more expensive with great food and entertainment (lots of kids). Princess is usually the most expensive and very elegant with an older (retiree) clientele. Pick your poison from there.

I would go Caribbean for your first cruise as you have more options for Port-Of-Call stops. If you're going on a 7 day cruise, try to get a cruise with at least three different stops. The ships are entertaining but you're not going to want to only have two stops for a 7 day vacation.

My first cruise I used a travel agent. I probably paid too much but the peace of mind for that first time cruise was worth it. All my other cruises have been booked online with no issues.

There are some price saving to booking now, as well as better cabin selection. Do not think you can wait until a few months before and book a cruise, you'll be sleeping at the bottom of the ship in the furthest away cabin possible.

Last tip: If you don't have kids (or don't like kids) then try not to book a cruise the week of Easter. It's spring break and there WILL be tons of kids, tweens, and teens all over the ship.

Answer 3

Booking on travel web sites works for my family. Most have a cruise specific link. This heps because everything is take care of and there is less stress.
Most cruise lines are the same. they have great buffets and shows, there are pools and lounge chairs to relax on. They way we chose is to look at the no cost extras and the on shore act ivies. The ship will stop at certain places for tours, scuba diving and a lot more.
Cruises are set up so you can either be busy 24/7 or sit, relax, and be catered to. Enjoy!

Answer 4

I would recommend Royal Caribbean or Carnival, depending on your personalities, preferences, etc. Budget wise they should be about the same. Also, I'd advise you to book as early as possible. That way you select what you want, and if prices go down between now and final payment (usually 90 days prior) cruise lines will honor the lower price (usually).

By all means go to a travel agent, who can guide you as to what the best options for you are. Or let me know and I can help you.

Answer 5

You don't give your age. If you are under 30, and want a party mood, go with Carnival. The newer ships are magnificent.

Royal Caribbean runs a close second.

Princess, Holland America, and Norwegian are more elegant, with a more mature (ie, less fun-loving)

In my opinion, the Carnival ships ride best in the water. I am very susceptible to motion-sickness, and on the Carnival ships, it rarely felt like we were even moving. On Princess, I felt the motion, even in calm water.

All of the cruise lines tend to have similar itineraries. One difference is that all of the lines - EXCEPT Carnival - have their own private beach for a day.

A couple of good places to visit: Grand Cayman (many one-of-a-kind adventures), Jamaica (absolutely beautiful), St. Thomas (alcohol purchases, and Magen's Bay), Nassau (visit Paradise Island), Virgin Gorda [BVI] (scenic & uncrowded).

You won't get to see all of these on one cruise. But, do some basic research and narrow it down to where you want to visit. Then find the ship that goes to most of those places.

Answer 6

all the major cruise lines are good i worked for carnival cruise and been on a few other cruises and you get just about the same thing other then the price i would try to book one this week April and may was one of our busiest times

Answer 7

I truly were to those sorts of places and the in elementary words ought to do is Orient coastline .it really is between the perfect seashores contained in the global .do not problem about the nude section you'll in no way see those human beings lower back and trust me it really is not any residing house to tremendous fashions it really is in basic terms an astonishing coastline ..we adore the straw marketplace to yet when there are quite a few ships in port very crowded .