Christmas Break Cruise

[Wesley Cruise]

Hello,

I am looking to go on a cruise during Christmas break this year (December 19-January 1st). I have said on Carnival twice, but wouldn't mind trying something different. So far there are a few cruises that I have looked at. These include: 7 day Bahamas on Enchantment of the Seas for $599 and Carnival Pride for $519. Also there is a 5 day Caribbean on Carnival Paradise for $419, 6 day on Carnival Valor for $449, and 7 days on Carnival Freedom for $579 and Crown Princess for $599. There's so many I'm not sure which one I should choose. Any recommendations? I'm looking to spend no more than $1000 per person (with the cruise, airfare, and shore excursions). Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[tak81288]

I'm always in favor of a longer cruise so it would come down to the 7 day ones for me...I've never been to the bahamas in winter but have heard mixed reviews that it can be a little too cold for swimming...What ports do the Freedom and Crown Princess have? If both of those are 7 days and it is affordable after adding tips and things, I would choose Crown Princesss to try something new.

 

You are also leaving out pertinent info like whether or not you will be traveling with kids, the intinerary..etc but based on the info you gave, that is what I would choose,

[Wesley Cruise]

Thanks for your input. It will be me (I'll be 17), my mom, and my aunt might be going (they're both in their 40s). The Freedom goes to Nassau, St Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turk. The Crown Princess goes to Princess Cay, Curacao, and Aruba. We've never been to any of these ports as both of our previous cruises were Western Caribbean.

[tak81288]

Thanks for your input. It will be me (I'll be 17), my mom, and my aunt might be going (they're both in their 40s). The Freedom goes to Nassau, St Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turk. The Crown Princess goes to Princess Cay, Curacao, and Aruba. We've never been to any of these ports as both of our previous cruises were Western Caribbean.

 

Okay...great...I think I would still do Princess long as it everything still comes within your budget since the itinerary and the cruiseline is new for you.

 

It is just my opinion though and am sure you will have a great time on whichever one you choose.

 

Have fun planning!

[Wesley Cruise]

Okay so, I found a cruise on Norwegian Epic for $599. I was wondering if its worth the extra for a bigger ship. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks :)

[Morgsmom]

The Epic is a new ship but as of this morning the price is $779 (unless you are quoting the average price after putting 3 in the room).

 

I'd recommend you look into MSC; as you will be 17 you will still sail for $100 ("kids" are free).

[Wesley Cruise]

Thanks morgsmom. I quote I got was from a private travel agency. I was looking into MSC and although the price can't be beat, I'm a little worried because they do not have a teen program onboard. When I went on my last cruise on the Carnival Dream, I went to the teen's club (club O2) every night and really enjoyed it. I'm scared that I would be bored on MSC. If any one has travelled with teens on MSC and can give me some advice it would really help. thanks

[beachchick]

Thanks morgsmom. I quote I got was from a private travel agency. I was looking into MSC and although the price can't be beat, I'm a little worried because they do not have a teen program onboard. When I went on my last cruise on the Carnival Dream, I went to the teen's club (club O2) every night and really enjoyed it. I'm scared that I would be bored on MSC. If any one has travelled with teens on MSC and can give me some advice it would really help. thanks

 

TAs often do not include taxes and fees in their advertised fares. Please make sure the total cost is what you think it is.

 

Where are you flying from? Airfares are likely to be pretty high for the dates you mention. It may be difficult to keep the total cost per person less than $1000 with air, cruise (including tips and onboard expenses or would that be in addition to the $1000 total?), and excursions.

 

Which ships and cruises do your mom and aunt think sound interesting? I realize that you are looking for something with plenty of teen activities, but I assume that they are looking for something that has plenty to interest adults too. I did a quick check and MSC does have teen programs and teen clubs that sound pretty terrific. You might want to look at their website and see what you all think. The lower fare would be a real plus and give you more "wiggle" room with other expenses.

 

Hope you find a cruise that is just right.

 

beachchick

[Krazy Kruizers]

jmo -- friends sailed on msc -- found the cabins to very tiny -- and there will be 3 of you in one cabin

 

i would go with princess

[imsulin]

Airfare over Christmas is REALLY high! What's your departure city? Also, it sounds like the fares you quoted didn't include port and tax charges, or pre-paid gratuities. I doubt if you can do this for $1000 p/p, but it's good that you're looking into booking now. A lot of it depends on your departure and arrival cities......and winter weather! Remember the Northeast this past Christmas? Good luck to you!

[Wesley Cruise]

Thanks for all the help guys! We've decided that we want to do a five day cruise. We have narrowed it down to the Carnival Destiny which sails out of Miami and visits Grand Cayman and Montego Bay and Jewel of the Seas which sails out of Tampa and visits Costa Maya and Cozumel. The Destiny is $439 per person and Jewel is $449. Both ships seem very similar. We have decided that it's only going to be my mom and I going on the cruise. She is looking for entertainment as the main selling point for our cruise. We both enjoyed the nightly shows on our last cruise on the Carnival Dream. My mom isn't really into the nightlife, casinos, or the spa so those factors weigh no influence in our decision. The food is also a major selling point for the both of us. However, we don't use the specialty restaurants. It seems pretty hard to choose between the two ships as they seem very similar. Any recommendations are appreciated.

[YoungDubFan]

You may want to check the temps / weather for both of the itineraries before you book. Weather Underground (wundergrounddotcom) substitute . for dot, lets you check the actual weather for cities for years past. Put in all the ports you may visit and check weather for 2009 and 2010. If there is rain 2 years running, there is a good chance you will have rain again in 2011. This may impact your decision.

[April-in-NC]

I would avoid cruising to Mexico (IMO), Costa Maya wasn't that interesting to me before the hurricane destroyed the port a few years ago and Cozumel has never been appealing to me.

 

I LOVED Grand Cayman so that would be the one I would choose. :)