What or where is the best cruise to take this summer and how much?

Question

Affordable price please!

Answer 1

Most cruises are done by cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Cunard, 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 $600 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.

The first rule in getting less expensive cruises is book early. The second 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. Visit the cruise line web sites and find a cruise itinerary that you like and then look at the prices for different dates. Many times the prices vary by $200 to $400 for the same cruise on different dates, for example: http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/booking/cruisedetails.html?packageId=1024151


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 three cruises completely online, including making payments and booking port tours.

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.

Carnival is the fun ship, they are low priced, but their accommodations are not the best. Carnival is the 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, para sailing, 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.

I have been on many cruises with several cruise lines and I prefer Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Since it is June already you are somewhat late for booking a cruise for this summer and getting a good rate. Cruise lines give their biggest discounts when you book early. AND, cruise ships do book up; its not like you can call two weeks before a cruise and get a cabin and if you do you will pay a premium high price.

The summer is the hurricane season in the Caribbean but you can still book something and take a chance; buy travel insurance. You can most likely avoid the hurricanes by cruise the west coast to Mexico or to Alaska. The Alaska cruise season runs from May to Sept so its half over already. Another option is a cruise to Bermuda. There are various lines that do them from Boston, NY, and occasionally Philly, Baltimore, Norfolk, and Charleston.

Just shop around and find what YOU want.

Answer 2

I cruise with Norwegian Cruise lines. Ive been on 9 cruises with them and have loved every one. The best/cheapest time to travel is sept-nov so keep that in mind when planning your vacation. Remember the prices that you see do not inculde taxes, port fees and insurance (always get the insurance). You can visit them at www.ncl.com if you have any questions you can call them. There is usually not a long wait to get to a cruise consultant and they can answer all of your questions as to what the price of the cruise will actually be. The prices listed are per person, however it is only on the first two people third and fouth people in the room are much cheaper. If you have any genteral questions about cruising (and some that may not be general) I can help you if you wish to email me. I also got married on the Norwegian Spirit so I can help if you have questions about planning and event as well. Good luck. Cruising is the only way to travel.

Answer 3

where are you based? Australia or Internationally?

What is the price range you're looking at?

Adults only, or children too?