Can anyone recommend a cruise line??

Question

I am planning on purchasing a cruise for my Mom for her 50th B-Day. She would love warm beach or Alaska. I am purchasing on a budget and I would like to buy for two so one of us kids can go with her (I don't want her going alone). My Dad passed away May 2006 and she would like to maybe get back into the dating game so a singles cruise maybe ok...I really don't know much about them though? This is my first cruise experience. Thanks in advance!!

Thanks everyone so far...if anyone has any other great ideas for a 50yr old (she is more like 40yr old that rides a Harley) please share! Thanks again!!

Answer 1

Well, if you want to see her dip her toe into meeting a nice man in her age range, I would suggest the following; an Alaskan Cruise, or a cruise on Princess.

I'm 41, and have cruised for 20 of those years, and have seen the style of several lines. In addition, I've added to my knowledge via my parents, and my brother.

I won't say a bad word about Princess except that about 80% of the people on my cruise were above my age, and most of them collect social security. The food was fantastic. The cabin service was great. Also I had a good time despite being 20 years younger than most passengers.

I've been on singles cruises before, and I will recommend Ann Rotman at cruisingforlove.com as I've been there, done that. She arranges for special parties for the singles, and separates them by age group, and has everything from cocktail parties to dances. These are private functions and mostly exclusive to the passengers who booked the cruise with her. I only say mostly because several years ago I did book a cruise with them, and the parties were mostly singles who booked, at least one slipped through. She was a quiet Korean woman working in Canada in her late 20s (I was in my mid-30s) and the roommate of the single's group. She was my date from day two.

That cruise was on Carnival, but I don't recommend it for people with more days behind them than before them. I've recommend an agent based on experience, she really can help you find something for your needs.

Answer 2

September (after Labor Day) is a great time to go price-wise, but be sure to buy travel insurance in case there's a hurricane. Most lines will re-reoute around the storms, but it's well worth it just in case. As for the cruise line, that depends on your age, temperament, and type of activities you like. Some of the ships are great for people wanting to party and others are better for older folks. I said temperament because my husband and I, while not that old, are curmudgeons on a cruise, ha ha! We don't want a lot of kids around, so we tend to go at times when school is in. Mexican Riviera is supposed to be nice, Antigua was beautiful and so was St. Thomas. I didn't personally care for Nassau, but that's because I don't really like wearing a bathing suit. If you like parties and after-hours, try Carnival or something like that. Royal Caribbean is a nice in-between. Celebrity was a little more mature. They still had all the parties, but that wasn't the main focus and the dining room was a lot nicer and a little more formal than Royal Caribbean. Those are the only two we've been on, so I don't know about the others. ENJOY it! Cruising is the best way to go!

Answer 3

I said this before but I used to be a coordinator for qa company that ran singles cruises, and they are SOO much fun! Your mom sounds like she would fit right in a be a blast to be on a cruise with. Try the wesbites www.vacationstogo.com under singles, and www.singlescruises.com. Alaska is a great trip during the summer, as is a simple carribean cruise. The average age of the singels cruises are usually 40-50, but dont do the 40's plus ones the average age for those are about 60! Believe me! She sounds like a kid at heart--Carnival is always a good time, RC is very nice as is Celebrity, and Princess. Holland America is going to be a bit old for her, picture tons of scoot arounds while you are trying to get to the dining room! best of Luck, I am sure you two will have a blast!

Answer 4

First, go to the library and check out some books on cruising, to get an overview - there are many, many variations. [It's rather like asking, "What car should I buy?" - you have to figure out what you're looking for first.]

Also check out CruiseCritic.com, "Boards" and "Reviews". Tons of info there. You might be particularly interested in "First Time Cruisers", "Singles Cruises". Once you know which cruise you're going on, you can go to the "Roll Call" boards and find out who's going with you. Or you can check on some of the sailings you're interested in to see who's going before you decide!

I've been on Carnival, Celebrity and Holland. From what you've said and what I've read at CC, you might want to check out Princess. Carnival might be good, too - it's generally a good "first cruise", but some people are put off by the glitzy decor and "party hearty" air [although it's easy to avoid that, if you wish].

You might also want to consult a travel agent who specializes in cruises, after you've done some research. The TA will have lots of questions, so you need to narrow things down a bit. [BTW - don't buy your air through the cruiseline unless you KNOW you'll save lots of money. They give you the worst possible flights and don't fly you in the day before. If at all possible, fly in the day before, especially if you're going in winter. There's lots of discussion about this at CC.]

If it were me, I'd choose the Caribbean over Alaska, especially if you're interested in singles activities. The Western Caribbean [usually Cozumel, Jamaica, Cayman, etc.] is especially fun if you like sun/sand/water. [Check out the info about ports of call in cruise books or at CC.]


How nice of you to give your mom a cruise. What a great birthday present!! Do your research and you will have a great time - but be forewarned: you very likely will be "hooked"!

Answer 5

I have been on carnival and royal caribbean, and recommend royal caribbean. Carnival is cheap in price and doesn't offer much in the way of service and activities. Royal caribbean ships are newer, well maintained, and have great food and lots of activities. They always have something going on its difficult to get bored. Also the staff is very helpful and friendly. As far as crime it is not limited to just one cruise line. Being on a ship is no different then going on vacation anywhere else. Be careful and cautious and don't do things that could possibly make you a target.

Answer 6

It really depends on exactly what kind of entertainment and environment your looking for. Carnival is a kid-friendly, family-oriented cruise. Princess is fancier, i guess you could say. i went on the grand princess and it was really nice. ALot of older people as well as fun activities, dances,club, movie theatre. On the top deck was a huge under-the-starts movie screen. it was really romantic . and the price wasnt that bad either. $3000 for 4 people.
Ive also heard that Royal Carribean was enjoyable too.
If you want an older crowd on board get the cruise during times when kids are still in school. That means not during summer/winter/spring break.
Becase during those times cruises are packed with teens and families.
you can also talk to a travel agent. thats how we got our cruise. tell them exactly what ur looking for and they will pick the cruise to cater to ur needs.

Answer 7

Norwegian cruise line. i just went on one last christmas and it was great. nice and clean. lots to do, very clean and comfortable. 24 hour buffet. 6 or 7 resturaunts, casino, movie theatre, a different show/act every day in the theatre, basketball court, tennis court, running track, pools, hot tubs, spas and much more. greats stops and fun excursions. every other morning the captain would come down to the breakfast area and say hello to the passengers. i went on a carnival cruise a few years ago and it was fun as well, but i liked norwegian better.

Answer 8

Princess is a very nice cruise line and everything there is wonderful. Not a "party ship" so the atmosphere is really relaxed, but fun too. A wide variety of people and ages...
And get a travel agent.

Answer 9

I've only been on one cruise and that was on Carnival. I was pleased. Watch out for Royal Carribean. I've heard HORRIBLE stories about them and passengers who have come up missing while on the cruise, passenger being raped...ugly stuff. Not to be a party pooper here but if this is your first cruise experience then you should know that whatever happens once you are out on the water is not falling under the jurisdiction of the U.S. This was stuff I didn't know when I went and wish I had because I don't think I would have ever gone. I haven't heard that many horror stories on Carnival but please check out some of those stories and decide for yourself.

Answer 10

I have been on Carnival 4 times and loved every cruise