I need help from all you cruise vets to book the right cruise!?

Question

I'm trying to book a cruise for me and my friends to go to the Western Caribbean 6-7 nights. We are all in our 20s. What Cruiseline would you suggest?(b/w Carnival and RCI) We've been on RCI and we loved it, but do you think we'd like Carnival better? Also, when is the best time to book a cruise, and w/who(Travel agent, online bargain sites, cruiseline website, phone etc.), to get the best price possible? (We have been on a cruise, but we didnt handle the booking, so this is new for me!) THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!

by best time i mean like way in advance or at the last minute, I heard you can get savings both ways, but I wasn't sure if this was true.

Answer 1

I have been on almost 20 cruises with 4 different cruise lines and I now book all of my cruises right on line. The cruise lines have all of the information that you need right on their web pages and if you have any questions before or after you book just call the phone number on the page and they will help you.

Forget what you heard about last minute deals. First of all most cruises that you will want to go on will sell out so your chances of getting a cabin at the last minute will be slim. And, suppose you wait and then there are no cabin, or not enough for you and your friends. The best thing to do is book early and a year in advance is not too early. Most cruise lines give early booking discounts and you have a choice of the best cabins when you book early. Most have their cruises posted on their web pages for 2008 and some for 2009 right now.

When you book on line you will be required to pay a deposit of about $250 per person with the booking (RC will let you put a24 hour hold on a cruise). Then you can make payment right on line in increments of $100 each person up until the final payment date is due, usually 60 to 75 days before the cruise.

Most cruise lines have discounts cruises that are shown right on their web site. So if you are shopping for a discount or deal, just go to the cruise line web sites and browse. I know that Royal Caribbean advertises its deals or specials as "HOT DEALS". So go to their site and click on the link that is right on their home page: "See All Hot Deals". The dates for their "deals" will be shown in red and will cover a variety of cruises. DO NOT pick a date when you want to go ahead of time, decide on a date to go when the price is the best. Many times the same cruise will vary in price by hundreds of dollars on different dates.

I prefer the cruise line web sites because it allows me to look at all of the cruises and options and not be swayed by a sales pitch of a bargain or discount. Even if you use a discounter or travel agent you should first peruse the cruise line web sites.

If you have been on a Royal Caribbean ship I suggest that you go on it again, or on Celebrity, Princess or Norwegian. I think that going to Carnival after RC will be a step down.

Answer 2

Carnival and Royal Caribbean both offer a similar cruise experience. Some like Carnival better, some like Royal Caribbean better. If you like Royal Caribbean, then stick with it. If you want to try something a little different, then try Carnival. I have cruised three times on Carnival and have one more booked. I have cruises twice on Royal Caribbean and have two more booked.

Carnival tends to cost less than Royal Caribbean. Carnival has a water slide on all of its ships while Royal Caribbean has a rock wall on all of its ships. Carnival really does not have anything that compares with the largest of the Royal Caribbean ships (the Voyager and Freedom class). I like the food on Carnival a little better than the food on Royal Caribbean.

Book your cruise as soon as you know what cruise you want to go on. If the price goes down, you can ask for the new lower price. If the price goes up, you keep the old lower price. If you wait until the last minute, you will only get a price break if the ship is not selling well. However, you will have a limited choice of cabins. Book early and you will have a better choice of cabins.

A good agent is worth his/her weight in gold. However, like everything else, not all the agents are good. Interview at least three agents and pick the one that asks you questions to better understand what it is that would best suit you. Do not use an agent that recommends one line over another based just on the limited information you have provided us. As about the cancellation policy and the refund policy (if there is a price drop).

The best time to book a Caribbean cruise, in my opinion, is April and May (but stay away from spring break). The reason is June through November is hurricane season. December through March is very popular with the people who live in the northern United States. Summer is very popular with families that have school aged children. April and May have good weather and less crowds. So that is when I like to book.

Answer 3

I have been on two cruises. On The first, we spent $1000 (40%) more for a balcony on a 9 day cruise. Although the balcony was great, we didn't really use it all that much. The balconies are very small, just big enough for two to sit or one to lie down. Unless you are very tall, the balcony railing is so high you cant see over it uness standing. The balconies are not 100% private, either. On the second cruise we chose an inner cabin and saved the money. We did not miss the balcony that much and we were glad we saved the $. We just do not spend much time in the cabin, even with balcony. Usually the cabin is just for sleeping, showering and mattress surfing, none of which require a balcony. One can take a longer cruise or perhaps even another cruise with the savings.

Answer 4

I would suggest Carnival since you are all in your 20s.

I'm not sure what you mean by "best time to book?" Make your booking months ahead or time of year to take vacation??

I would go through the cruise line website and then if your questions aren't answered, call them.

My personal preference is for Royal Caribbean, Adventure of the Sea. Seven days and five islands. But the average age was mid- to late-30s. You might prefer a younger crowd.

The least expensive time to go is in the summer...if you can take the heat when on the islands. We went last week (SEP 9-16). It was 80 but there was always a breeze blowing.

Do your research. You'll be happier.

And buy the Smart Shopper book the first night out. Read it carefully and learn about the free stuff you can pick up in each port. You'll get your money back in the savings. I bought a beautiful tanzanite ring for $99. Land price is twice that.

Answer 5

I would suggest Carnival if you are in your 20's. They cater more to that age group.

Answer 6

royal caribbean would be my choice, but it depends on your itinerary and what your spending limits are.
remember other costs involved.
airline costs, alcoholic beverages,taxes and fees, port charges,shore excursions, extras(souvenirs), tips,
all these will add to your final costs.
go to cruiseclues.com
cruisecritic.com
for some ideas.

Answer 7

I would suggest calling cheapcarribean.com