frogza

My wife and I are planning a cruise for our anniversary. We've pretty much settled on a western carribean cruise but haven't decided on anything beyond that. We did a cruise to Mexico a few years back and liked it. We went with Carnival, we figured that until we knew if we'd like it we'd go with the least expensive option. The only problem I had with it was how many kids were running around.

Who's been on a cruise? What suggestions would you give me? If you've been to another warm weather cruise that was good what was it? Do the longer cruises (10 days or more) start to feel too long? I'd like to keep it under $1200 for each of us, including airfare.

greytone

I would strongly recomend looking at Celebrity. They are rated the best of the affordable cruises (if you leave out Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, and Radisson). They make an effort to bring in some of the elements of the higher end lines with their level of service. They also avoid the use of the loudspeaker to constantly announce every damn event. It is up to you to review the schedule they leave on your pillow with the chocolate the night before.

I would recomend one of their four newest ships of the Millinium class. They have large spas and indoor as well as outdoor pools. They have wonderful luxury restaraunts worth one night of splurging. Now they have started to coordinate with Cirq du Soleil.

Whichever one you pick, don't hesitate to go for 7 or more days. I think it takes at least a week to unwind and everything after that is what is really enjoyable. I did 14 days in the Baltic and fealt like it was too short.

__________________
I was there to see beautiful naked women. So was everybody else. It's a common failing.
Robert A Heinlein in "They Do It With Mirrors"

maleficent

The February issue of Real Simple magazine had an article on cruiselines, and broke it down to the best cruiselines based on who your fellow travellers will be-- alas, I can't put my finger on it (otherwise I'd tell you exactly what it said)-- but if might be worth a persuse while waiting in the checkout line

__________________

frogza

I'll check out Real Simple, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

braisler

I am going to weigh in to second the recommendation of Celebrity as one of the best mid-range budget lines. They are really, really great! I have cruised many of the major lines long ago and both Celebrity and Princess more recently. I would not hesitate to say Celebrity is the best line I have been on. I haven't tried the higher end lines just yet, but maybe soon. Shop around to find the best deals. It helps if you are flexible with your timing or destination to find a great cruise at the right price for you. If you have never cruised any line besides Carnival, you are in for a real treat. Carnival is the greyhound bus lines of the seas.

If you are looking to avoid tons of kids running around (how I wish I could!), consider taking a longer cruise if your budget and schedule allows it. The typically family only takes the kids along on a 7 day trip. Look for 10-12 days and you will have a great reduction in the number of kids on board.

Our most recent cruise was on Princess in January of last year. We went to Ocho Rios, Panama (including partial transit of the canal), Costa Rica, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. Each port was great with the exception of Ocho Rios.

Research the ship that you are thinking of taking, and each of the destinations that you might be stopping at. Look into shore excursions on your own before the cruise. This alone can save you hundreds of dollars and ensure that you have a really great time. Avoid using shipboard excursions if at all possible. They are a rip-off and usually too short as well. A great resource for research isCruiseMates.

Keep us posted on your selection. Good luck!

__________________
---
You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.
- Albert Einstein
---