Shih-tzu

Enjoying this thread. I was wondering the same things......too many choices. Glad someone mentioned that at least 7 days. I'm trying to convince the other half that he might enjoy a cruise and was thinking of maybe a 3 or 4 day one and then spending time in Florida but if the short cruises are "party cruises" then he wouldn't enjoy it as much. I'm poking around looking at what's leaving Boston, then New York (to save airfare). Southern Caribbean looks interesting but getting to San Juan is very expensive - but might find something out of Florida.

I have no problem with the concept of the pre-paid tips and also have no problem giving extra tips for great service. Unlike waiters/service people/housekeeping on land based hotels/restaurants, etc, from what I understand (and have read on these boards and others) that personnel working in this type of job aboard ship do NOT have a minimum wage. So, if we willingly tip for these services while on land, why wouldn't we do it when at sea??

My only question/hesitation about the auto-gratuity arises from a comment I saw somewhere on-line that was something along the lines "if a poor comment or complaint is made against a room steward/waiter/bar tender, etc that some cruise lines with-hold their tips." I have no problem paying the auto-gratuity IF employees are in fact receiving them, but wouldn't appreciate paying what is "called" a gratuity if the cruise line itself is keeping some of the $$$$ (or worse yet, looking for any excuse NOT to pay crew their share). I know that I didn't dream this type of stuff up....because I just can't fathom any employer doing that....

I think the staff on ship deserve their tips - they are not working traditional 8 hour days and then able to go home, see their family or friends, etc.

Thanks everyone.... love the information.....

Cruisin' Chick - by "loud parties" I meant a continuous blaring of music with no where to escape, or people getting tipsy enough to become obnoxious.... I don't mind people having a good time. And yes, by the spa I mean something like the Sanctuary :) Not sure about a cruise line yet - but those going to Bermuda are probably my 1st choice as the port is within driving distance (7 hours or so I've been told).

Trev71 - same place :D I had the honour of trying to "drive" on Charlotte St on Saturday.... that's when I realized that I think I need to go on a cruise where there's wide ocean as opposed to streets plugged with so much snow they're down to one lane.

Would love to find one that docks in Hamilton instead of King's Wharf. I'll check out the Holland America site :-) Thanks for the tip.

Sounding good - keep "on ship" ideas coming. I'm looking at cruises out of Boston (but NOT eastern Canada - that's where I'm "escaping from" LOL). At least we can drive there in 8 or 9 hours so we will save on airfare...but Eastern and Southern Caribbean looks good too....

Book, glass of ice cubes, lounge chair and a pool to cool off in :-) Ahhhhh:cool:

Haven't been on a cruise since 1973 (ages and ages ago).

Trying to convince DH that a cruise would be fun but haven't quite sold him on the idea yet...(I'm waiting for some night he's watching TV and just says "yes" without thinking....:D)

As I am looking at "relaxation", if I do cruise I probably won't want to leave the ship at every port and not into loud, loud parties, etc.

What is there to do on board during the days in port. I read somewhere here in the last day or two that they empty the ships' pools during port days (which is a day that I would probably enjoy being there the most). Is this the case for all cruise lines, some of the cruise lines or just if it needs to be for cleaning, etc.

I have also read that the weekly passes for the spa type area are very difficult to get unless you are a frequent cruiser with the "perks" of being a return customer...is this for all cruise lines or just some?

I do realize the casino is closed (which doesn't interest me anyway) but what else is closed? Can you still get drinks, etc by the pool/lounge chair areas?

I guess what is/isn't available may help my decision as to which cruise I may enjoy the most.

Thanks for any info... I'm getting plenty tired of the snow.