Where is the best place to go for a 1st time cruise? time of year? and liner?

Question

it will be me and my wife, we're both mid- 20s. We were thinking Fiji????Thanks for any info.

Answer 1

First, I suggest Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, or Norwegian cruise lines. All of these are great lines with great ships, food and service. My favorite ships of all of these are the Brilliance of the seas and Jewel of the Seas which are Royal Caribbean. There are some more expensive and "exclusive" cruise lines like Radisson and Seven Seas, but most people use the lines I have mentioned above.

But first let me tell you about cruise ships in general. 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.

Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card. Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship. Infants and small children may be required to wear an ID bracelet (like in the hospital) in lieu of carry a card.

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations. Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tour of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to. There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.

Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course. The newer Royal Caribbean ships have a rock climbing wall and the newest one has a pool for water surfing.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games, and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf. Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you bring your prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent). There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music. Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave. On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .

I suggest that you go to the web site for the cruise lines and look at the cabin prices, port stops, the features for the ships and select a cruise that will do what you want to do. Then you may want to talk to an agent and see if they can find what you want. Finally, decide whether you want to book your self or have an agent do it for you.

There is really no such thing as the best time of the year. But there are some things to know. Like the Alaska cruise season is May to Sept only, same for the Baltic area, and New England/Canada. Then you want to stay away from cruises in the Caribbean if you can during the July through October time period which is prime hurricane season. Other than that the best time to go is when you can get the best price and keep in mind that the earlier you book the better price you will get and the more likely you are to find a good "deal" as a special.

Answer 2

I really didnt know they had cruises to Fiji but Europe is romantic and I could see anyone having fun their. The Caribbean is also a wonderful place. I say Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney are the best lines. Holland America is way to snooty and Princess is way to stuck up and both have lots of older people and no one really your age and nothing really to do on their ships. Fiji would be really cool for a first cruise and so would Hawaii. I would say Europe or Hawaii would be the best but Fiji is good too.

Answer 3

Where are you from? Do you want to drive to the port or fly? Do you want casual or formal? I'm guess that you want casual. Go with Carnival or Royal Caribbean Line. They are both mass-market cruise lines that offer a lot of value and fun. For a first cruise, due at least a 4 day cruise. 3 days is too short.

Answer 4

We've taken four cruises over the last 22 years and were talking about booking another one just 30 minutes ago. All of the things you mentioned do happen. Life's a risk no matter where you might be. Wouldn't you rather face life with a little adventure, pampering, good food and lots of fun thrown in?

Answer 5

Leaving from the East Coast Bermuda is a great first cruise. Mostly 7 days, with 3 1/2 days on the island. I DON'T THINK ISLAND HOPPER (4-5 islands in 7 -8 days) are good first choice. Loved RCCL and Celebrity.

Answer 6

There many great places out and things to do once you get to each port. Decide what you both expect to do on ship and shore and if you want to spend more time at sea or in port. Time of year depends on where you go. Cruise line depends on what you want. On your vacation some tell what you have wear on their ships where as Norwegian & Princess are more relaxed and offer a buffet which allows you to have more of a selection of food & eat & sit where you want.
Enjoy.

Answer 7

My husband and I just went on our first cruise all around the Greek islands this April. We went on Louis Cruise lines (not very nice ships) but the cruise itself was spectacular - the islands were amazing. I'm in my 20s, my husband is in his 30s and we both enjoyed it thoroughly. I would say choose an American ship where they have unlimited food and lots to do onboard. Have fun!!

Answer 8

Every cruise destination has its own special atmosphere and diverse nature.

Below list of cruise to one of these interesting destinations.

Africa Cruises
Alaska Cruises
Antarctica Cruises
Asia Cruises
Australia Cruises
Bahamas Cruises
Bermuda Cruises
Eastern Canada Cruises
Caribbean Cruises

http://www.cheapcaribbeancruises.net