need hellp please with advice

[blonby1970]

Some of these posters that are regulars on CC are downright rude and nasty. There is a way to address a newcomer without coming off as a scolding Engli sh teacher. And the entitlement kills me. If you can't read it, move on to another thread. I can't stand Internet bullies and have no problem calling them out. Glad some people are doing the same!

 

Anyway... To the OP-

 

Google a website called 90 Day Cruise Ticker. You can view all the upcoming cruises in the Caribbean and comparison shop. I check there first, then move on to the cruise line websites. My advice is to read, read and read some more to familiarize yourself with all things cruising. There is great advice on most of these boards.

 

Also, make sure to make reservations at a specialty restaurant for you and your wife to celebrate her birthday while on board. You will have a fine dining experience and memories to last forever. It's worth the extra cost. Trust me.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

thank you much for what you said and i appreciate the feed back as i will

look into it asap. Dinner is a must i have heard they have child care on board

so that wifey and i can a share a meal. looks like you have went on a few

cruises thats great to see

[kitty9]

Since you seem completely lost on this cruising issue, I strongly suggest finding a good, local travel agent/agency to get yourself going on a cruise. They don't cost you anything and if you book quite a few cabins, you might get a few perks such as on board credit (an amount of money put on account for you to spend on the ship), paid gratuities, dinner at one of the extra cost specialty restaurants or a bottle of wine.

 

Now, there are as many different kinds of cabins, with just as many different prices, and there are a lot of different kinds of cruise lines, with each one having strengths and weaknesses. And, many lines seem to have a specific niche in terms of demographics. Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL tend to attract lots of families, Holland America has a reputation for catering to older passengers and Princess and Celebrity tends toward a slightly more sedate and upscale atmosphere, that at times can attract families, but not nearly as many as Carnival, RCI and NCL. That's not to say that the things I mention are written in stone, but it can give you an idea of what goes on with different lines.

 

Once you get on board, you can spend as little or as much as you want. As for what's included on your cruise, the main dining room, the buffet and the grill areas are included, as are some coffees, teas, milk, juices in the buffet, room service. You'll pay extra for all alcohol, soft drinks, juices from bars and lounges, bottled water, specialty coffee, alternative restaurants, ship sponsored tours, ship photos, casino. Most activities are free and most entertainment is also included. There are extra charges for things like wine tastings, the spa and some gym programs.

 

I've been on nearly every cruise line out there, and after taking 74 cruises on those lines, I may have a pretty good idea of what's going on. If you're going to have a wide age range in your group, I personally think Royal Caribbean would be a good place to start looking. Their ships, especially the newer ones, have activities that you wouldn't imagine on a ship. You'll find zip lining, rock climbing walls, in line skating, ice skating, a flow rider where you actually surf, basketball, a full gym and tons more. Plus, there are a lot of things for older cruisers in addition to a really good kids club. So, if there are kids in your group, the clubs serve ages 3 to 17 in separate, age appropriate groups. They also have group babysitting after 10 pm (for a per hour charge) and in cabin sitting, also with a per hour charge. Oh and BTW, once you get on one of those behemoth ships, you really don't know you're on water. I think you have no idea on how HUGE these ships can be.

 

Booking a cruise can be done a couple of ways, either with you doing it all yourself, which for a newbie can be tough, confusing and a pain in the behind, or you can use a travel agent, either a local or someone online. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to mention agents or agencies, so you're on your own there. Most tend to book 6 to 8 months or more out. That way you get the best choice of cabins. You have to pay the full balance 70 to 90 days before your cruise leaves.

 

As I said, there are a lot of different cabin choices from huge suites to cabins with balconies, to ones with only a window to inside cabins with no windows. You can pay as little as $700 to $20,000, per person, for a 7 day cruise. What cabin you select depends on what you want to pay. One way to save is to share a cabin if you have young kids. Most cruise lines have a thing where the third and fourth person sharing a cabin pays a reduced fare----but that really only works good if you have young kids

 

Finally, if you cruise in the Caribbean, and your cruise starts and ends in the same US port, you'll only need a certified birth certificate and a government issued photo ID. While a passport is best, they are not required. But, if your cruise starts in one port and ends in another, you'll need a passport.

 

Any other questions, please ask.

Edited September 1, 2013 by kitty9

[JSWalk]

Hello Blonby1970,

 

I would first like to welcome a fellow Oregonian to Cruise Critic. I am sorry that some on this forum have to be so nasty. The good thing is that you usually get a lot of good advise on here. I have been using this site since my first cruise years ago. I have found for the most part really good information.

 

I think Kitty9 has given you good advise. To read a lot and get a good Travel Agent.

Our First cruise was to the Mexican Riviera. We loved it. It was an 11 night cruise out of San Francisco. But you can get 7 day cruises also. If finances are an issue it might be cheaper than flying clear to Florida.

I know some have said an Alaskan cruise. But from someone who lives in the Pacific Northwest, it was my least favorite cruise. That is not to say it would be the same for you. I just know that we see mountains, snow, rivers and it looks a lot like Oregon to me. I much prefer the beaches and swimming in the ocean. Which as an Oregonian we don't do much here at our beaches. It is too cold.:eek: Anyhow, whatever you dicide I hope you have a fabulous vacation.:)

[blonby1970]

Since you seem completely lost on this cruising issue, I strongly suggest finding a good, local travel agent/agency to get yourself going on a cruise. They don't cost you anything and if you book quite a few cabins, you might get a few perks such as on board credit (an amount of money put on account for you to spend on the ship), paid gratuities, dinner at one of the extra cost specialty restaurants or a bottle of wine.

 

Now, there are as many different kinds of cabins, with just as many different prices, and there are a lot of different kinds of cruise lines, with each one having strengths and weaknesses. And, many lines seem to have a specific niche in terms of demographics. Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL tend to attract lots of families, Holland America has a reputation for catering to older passengers and Princess and Celebrity tends toward a slightly more sedate and upscale atmosphere, that at times can attract families, but not nearly as many as Carnival, RCI and NCL. That's not to say that the things I mention are written in stone, but it can give you an idea of what goes on with different lines.

 

Once you get on board, you can spend as little or as much as you want. As for what's included on your cruise, the main dining room, the buffet and the grill areas are included, as are some coffees, teas, milk, juices in the buffet, room service. You'll pay extra for all alcohol, soft drinks, juices from bars and lounges, bottled water, specialty coffee, alternative restaurants, ship sponsored tours, ship photos, casino. Most activities are free and most entertainment is also included. There are extra charges for things like wine tastings, the spa and some gym programs.

 

I've been on nearly every cruise line out there, and after taking 74 cruises on those lines, I may have a pretty good idea of what's going on. If you're going to have a wide age range in your group, I personally think Royal Caribbean would be a good place to start looking. Their ships, especially the newer ones, have activities that you wouldn't imagine on a ship. You'll find zip lining, rock climbing walls, in line skating, ice skating, a flow rider where you actually surf, basketball, a full gym and tons more. Plus, there are a lot of things for older cruisers in addition to a really good kids club. So, if there are kids in your group, the clubs serve ages 3 to 17 in separate, age appropriate groups. They also have group babysitting after 10 pm (for a per hour charge) and in cabin sitting, also with a per hour charge. Oh and BTW, once you get on one of those behemoth ships, you really don't know you're on water. I think you have no idea on how HUGE these ships can be.

 

Booking a cruise can be done a couple of ways, either with you doing it all yourself, which for a newbie can be tough, confusing and a pain in the behind, or you can use a travel agent, either a local or someone online. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to mention agents or agencies, so you're on your own there. Most tend to book 6 to 8 months or more out. That way you get the best choice of cabins. You have to pay the full balance 70 to 90 days before your cruise leaves.

 

As I said, there are a lot of different cabin choices from huge suites to cabins with balconies, to ones with only a window to inside cabins with no windows. You can pay as little as $700 to $20,000, per person, for a 7 day cruise. What cabin you select depends on what you want to pay. One way to save is to share a cabin if you have young kids. Most cruise lines have a thing where the third and fourth person sharing a cabin pays a reduced fare----but that really only works good if you have young kids

 

Finally, if you cruise in the Caribbean, and your cruise starts and ends in the same US port, you'll only need a certified birth certificate and a government issued photo ID. While a passport is best, they are not required. But, if your cruise starts in one port and ends in another, you'll need a passport.

 

Any other questions, please ask.

 

 

 

can you e mail me please @ blonby1970@yahoo.com

thanks for all the great information...

[zoncom]

Nasty, no, but a bunch of us are opinionated. I remember The first time my Mother dragged me on a cruise as a divorce present. She went to the local travel agent who sold her the most expensive cabin on ship.I vowed to find out the ins/outs of cruising. Now we have discount cruise agencies, last minute cruise lists on RCL, Celebrity, et al websites. It takes awhile to learn the game, Prices vary greatly. Pricing patterns are pretty constant every year. Cruise lines know the booking patterns and know what they can charge in any week. I still maintain an Inside cabin on a good ship is the best travel buy out there. On the air front, I did my first SW Air flite for$90. Denver-Seattle last Fall. Just do some investigation and you will be rewarded.

[blonby1970]

so i just spoke with my father inlaw he's going on carnival on a

caibean 7 day cruise with balcony for.499.00 i thought that was.amazing

so they going to hondorus and like belieze .

I'm thinking that's where i want to go. also looks like.closest

place.to board i huston texas

[Tamie R]

Hey fellow Oregonian. I live in Portland. Just to give you an idea on airfare. We are booked on RC Oasis May 3rd. Was able to get airfare PDX to Fort Lauderdale RT for 331 per person. Our first cruise.

[blonby1970]

Hey fellow Oregonian. I live in Portland. Just to give you an idea on airfare. We are booked on RC Oasis May 3rd. Was able to get airfare PDX to Fort Lauderdale RT for 331 per person. Our first cruise.

 

wow that sounds like a great price where are you going for your

first cruise? i live in Salem

[Tamie R]

wow that sounds like a great price where are you going for your

first cruise? i live in Salem

 

We are going to Nassau, St. Thomas & St. Martin.....was just through Salem yesterday on the way home from camping. 😃

[Pattyd227]

Congrats on your decision to gift your family a cruise. I question the wisdom of extending the invitation to your extended family who sound like new cruisers also. I realize they pay their fares. A well chosen cruise is special. You may end up with the stress of being an unpaid group leader with no knowledge of cruising. They may book,become unable to pay at time of final payment(they may even lose deposit), or cancel because a cruise is outside of their comfort zone.Average cruise cabin is sold, resold 6 times! That said, Caribbean offers most beauty and bang for buck due to competetion. Choose a newer ship, 7n or more on a mid range ship. Princess or Celebrity. Or RCL, NCL for more activities. CCL for Vegas style .Post Hurricane time just after Thanksgiving till mid Dec. usually lowest priced, good weather. Lots of cruise line/port books in your library. Inside cabins fine.Mexico scary at this time.

 

 

 

Mexico is safe as long as you stay in the resort area (that goes for anywhere really) Just dont wander off and you'll be fine. If you do shore excursions stick with cruise ship related ones they cost a little more but the ship has to wait for you if your are late, if you book outside the cruise line they dont.

 

A lot of men go on their first cruise because the wife wants to go and they end up loving it (my hubby did!)

[A Pisces]

I didn't read all of the replies to you, so forgive me if someone has already mentioned this. If you get more than 5 other cabins, of people going with you, you can get a discount through the cruise lines, which might help you get a nice room for you and your wife. Some travel agents might do the same for you, and offer perks like on board credit or dinner at a specialty restaurant.

I have traveled on several cruise lines, and found that Carnaval and Princess seem to have better prices, than some others, so take a look at them. Maybe look at inside or outside rooms for your adult kids, and possibly a balcony for you and your wife. I think that someone mentioned $100.00 a day or less, is a good price. I would agree with that for an outside room, and maybe a little more for a balcony.

 

It is really nice of you to do this for your wife!

Edited September 3, 2013 by A Pisces

[zoncom]

Patti I just cannot get 2 tourist incidents out of my mind. A private villa rented by 6 Spanish ladies. 1 Mexican lady .6 murdered. Mexican National talked them out of murder telling them she was Mexican. Other,Tourist bus stopped , 35 passengers held up. Acapulco area I think.

[grrl2grrl]

Kitty9 posted great info!

 

As for island sailing, I'm a Florida native, so 4 out of my 5 cruises I've booked are for the Caribbean. Carnival is be far the best priced cruise, and usually perfect for you to decide if you want to continue cruising. Everytime I go to book a cruise I think, "Now would be a great time to try RCL or Norwegian." but when I look up the cost and itenerary, I simply can not justify the additional cost.

 

I've been to Mexico, and Belize, and heard all the warnings, and done my own research of the areas. Bottom line: Cruise Lines would not continue to go to ports that were dangous. Why? The bad press and loss of revenue. So do once you decide some of your factors, do your homework & be an informed traveler. If you are concerned for safety regarding a country, stick to the excursions offered by the cruise line, or the cruise line operated port shopping area. I had a very relaxing day in Mexico staying in port. In Belize, booked an excursion, not through the cruise line, and there was a moment of question regarding safety. Our old bus run by locals had to stop at a check point where there were men dressed in plain clothes carrying very large guns were standing guard. We went through just fine, and had a wonderful time. The best advice about safety, is know your risk and be aware of your surroundings. This is true anytime you are travelling somewhere unfamiliar. I promise I know places locally in beautiful Sunshiney Florida where I would feel more unsafe than I did in Belize.

 

My favorite Caribbean itenary was Grand Cayman, Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. It was also my first cruise, so perhaps that's why I hold it in such high esteem. Nassau is dirty, and nothing special when compared to the other islands available. I also loved my time in St. Thomas, and St. Maartin.

 

Feb - May is a lovely time for cruising, but everyone else will think so too, because their tired of the cold :) so come prepared knowing you will be seeing a lot of people in one place. Patience, and a determination for fun is necessary.

 

When I choose what port to leave out of it is less by what state is closest, but more about what ship I want to go on, or the itenary I want to see. So if you haven't already, I suggest, narrow down where you want to go, then choose the port based on best airfare you can get, then what company to go with based on price and ship. That path may lead you to an unexpected answer that fits for you. (for example, carnival offers a Caribbean cruise leaving out of NY during the summer. If you can get crazy cheap airfare to NY, the ship is sailing where you want to go, hey, why not? - though that would not be my first choice).

 

Once you figure out the destination, Then worry about how to get there and cost, then worry about which line of cruise ship, and then what kind of cabin you want. Worrying about the cabin before you even know where you're going is a bit of cart before the horse. Besides, cabins are much like sardine cans, it's just a place to sleep, I only care that I'm on the ship! (mostly true - I do have my preferences, but ask that question once you get the larger details narrowed down.)

 

I hipe you've gotten a bit of help from our opinions, and not more confusion! It's a wonderful gift - a cruise! That's how I got hooked :)

[GirlsClub4]

I had to laugh at your original post -- in sympathy! When I decided to plan our first cruise, I was totally amazed that the details were so hard to find. I was open to the departure city, activities, ports.... And you have to know these things before you can search for a cruise. My recommendation is to first decide what port to depart from. I discovered that decides where you are sailing. Airfare and transport to the ship from the airport, etc, cost of the hotel, can be the deciding factor for whether or not the cruise is "affordable." For instance, Galveston sounded like a great idea, but those costs made me decide against it. Cruise shopping sites will give you a search function where you can choose and eliminate some. For instance, you know you won't be going to Alaska or Hawaii and there are some departure ports too expensive to travel to. You will start to see a pattern of options that will help you decide. We said No Mexico at first, but our final choice ended up including Cozumel. This is a really sweet thing to do for your wife!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[blonby1970]

[Qthank UOTE=grrl2grrl;39848343]Kitty9 posted great info!

 

As for island sailing, I'm a Florida native, so 4 out of my 5 cruises I've booked are for the Caribbean. Carnival is be far the best priced cruise, and usually perfect for you to decide if you want to continue cruising. Everytime I go to book a cruise I think, "Now would be a great time to try RCL or Norwegian." but when I look up the cost and itenerary, I simply can not justify the additional cost.

 

I've been to Mexico, and Belize, and heard all the warnings, and done my own research of the areas. Bottom line: Cruise Lines would not continue to go to ports that were dangous. Why? The bad press and loss of revenue. So do once you decide some of your factors, do your homework & be an informed traveler. If you are concerned for safety regarding a country, stick to the excursions offered by the cruise line, or the cruise line operated port shopping area. I had a very relaxing day in Mexico staying in port. In Belize, booked an excursion, not through the cruise line, and there was a moment of question regarding safety. Our old bus run by locals had to stop at a check point where there were men dressed in plain clothes carrying very large guns were standing guard. We went through just fine, and had a wonderful time. The best advice about safety, is know your risk and be aware of your surroundings. This is true anytime you are travelling somewhere unfamiliar. I promise I know places locally in beautiful Sunshiney Florida where I would feel more unsafe than I did in Belize.

 

My favorite Caribbean itenary was Grand Cayman, Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. It was also my first cruise, so perhaps that's why I hold it in such high esteem. Nassau is dirty, and nothing special when compared to the other islands available. I also loved my time in St. Thomas, and St. Maartin.

 

Feb - May is a lovely time for cruising, but everyone else will think so too, because their tired of the cold :) so come prepared knowing you will be seeing a lot of people in one place. Patience, and a determination for fun is necessary.

 

When I choose what port to leave out of it is less by what state is closest, but more about what ship I want to go on, or the itenary I want to see. So if you haven't already, I suggest, narrow down where you want to go, then choose the port based on best airfare you can get, then what company to go with based on price and ship. That path may lead you to an unexpected answer that fits for you. (for example, carnival offers a Caribbean cruise leaving out of NY during the summer. If you can get crazy cheap airfare to NY, the ship is sailing where you want to go, hey, why not? - though that would not be my first choice).

 

Once you figure out the destination, Then worry about how to get there and cost, then worry about which line of cruise ship, and then what kind of cabin you want. Worrying about the cabin before you even know where you're going is a bit of cart before the horse. Besides, cabins are much like sardine cans, it's just a place to sleep, I only care that I'm on the ship! (mostly true - I do have my preferences, but ask that question once you get the larger details narrowed down.)

 

I hipe you've gotten a bit of help from our opinions, and not more confusion! It's a wonderful gift - a cruise! That's how I got hooked :)

 

 

thank you for the information we live in Salem Oregon and i have

decided that i would like to take her and my 4 year old daughter

on the caribean cruz go to belieze and hondorus and what other

areas they offer. i also believe we will be traveling with carnival

due to the cost factor as you have mentioned. So this means i either

have to fly to California or Florida right?

do i spend the extra and get us a balcony room for our first cruise

[notentirelynormal]

If you are going on a Caribbean cruise you'll be flying to Florida (most likely). California is basically for Mexico, coastal, Hawaii and Alaska.

[blonby1970]

Since you seem completely lost on this cruising issue, I strongly suggest finding a good, local travel agent/agency to get yourself going on a cruise. They don't cost you anything and if you book quite a few cabins, you might get a few perks such as on board credit (an amount of money put on account for you to spend on the ship), paid gratuities, dinner at one of the extra cost specialty restaurants or a bottle of wine.

 

Now, there are as many different kinds of cabins, with just as many different prices, and there are a lot of different kinds of cruise lines, with each one having strengths and weaknesses. And, many lines seem to have a specific niche in terms of demographics. Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL tend to attract lots of families, Holland America has a reputation for catering to older passengers and Princess and Celebrity tends toward a slightly more sedate and upscale atmosphere, that at times can attract families, but not nearly as many as Carnival, RCI and NCL. That's not to say that the things I mention are written in stone, but it can give you an idea of what goes on with different lines.

 

Once you get on board, you can spend as little or as much as you want. As for what's included on your cruise, the main dining room, the buffet and the grill areas are included, as are some coffees, teas, milk, juices in the buffet, room service. You'll pay extra for all alcohol, soft drinks, juices from bars and lounges, bottled water, specialty coffee, alternative restaurants, ship sponsored tours, ship photos, casino. Most activities are free and most entertainment is also included. There are extra charges for things like wine tastings, the spa and some gym programs.

 

I've been on nearly every cruise line out there, and after taking 74 cruises on those lines, I may have a pretty good idea of what's going on. If you're going to have a wide age range in your group, I personally think Royal Caribbean would be a good place to start looking. Their ships, especially the newer ones, have activities that you wouldn't imagine on a ship. You'll find zip lining, rock climbing walls, in line skating, ice skating, a flow rider where you actually surf, basketball, a full gym and tons more. Plus, there are a lot of things for older cruisers in addition to a really good kids club. So, if there are kids in your group, the clubs serve ages 3 to 17 in separate, age appropriate groups. They also have group babysitting after 10 pm (for a per hour charge) and in cabin sitting, also with a per hour charge. Oh and BTW, once you get on one of those behemoth ships, you really don't know you're on water. I think you have no idea on how HUGE these ships can be.

 

Booking a cruise can be done a couple of ways, either with you doing it all yourself, which for a newbie can be tough, confusing and a pain in the behind, or you can use a travel agent, either a local or someone online. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to mention agents or agencies, so you're on your own there. Most tend to book 6 to 8 months or more out. That way you get the best choice of cabins. You have to pay the full balance 70 to 90 days before your cruise leaves.

 

As I said, there are a lot of different cabin choices from huge suites to cabins with balconies, to ones with only a window to inside cabins with no windows. You can pay as little as $700 to $20,000, per person, for a 7 day cruise. What cabin you select depends on what you want to pay. One way to save is to share a cabin if you have young kids. Most cruise lines have a thing where the third and fourth person sharing a cabin pays a reduced fare----but that really only works good if you have young kids

 

Finally, if you cruise in the Caribbean, and your cruise starts and ends in the same US port, you'll only need a certified birth certificate and a government issued photo ID. While a passport is best, they are not required. But, if your cruise starts in one port and ends in another, you'll need a passport.

 

Any other questions, please ask.

 

 

Kitty.....

 

I have lost some information on my computer as it crashed on me :( could you please e mail the information you sent me once again... blonby1970@yahoo.com Thank you very much :)

[blonby1970]

If you are going on a Caribbean cruise you'll be flying to Florida (most likely). California is basically for Mexico, coastal, Hawaii and Alaska.

 

 

Thank You

[blonby1970]

Kitty9 posted great info!

 

As for island sailing, I'm a Florida native, so 4 out of my 5 cruises I've booked are for the Caribbean. Carnival is be far the best priced cruise, and usually perfect for you to decide if you want to continue cruising. Everytime I go to book a cruise I think, "Now would be a great time to try RCL or Norwegian." but when I look up the cost and itenerary, I simply can not justify the additional cost.

 

I've been to Mexico, and Belize, and heard all the warnings, and done my own research of the areas. Bottom line: Cruise Lines would not continue to go to ports that were dangous. Why? The bad press and loss of revenue. So do once you decide some of your factors, do your homework & be an informed traveler. If you are concerned for safety regarding a country, stick to the excursions offered by the cruise line, or the cruise line operated port shopping area. I had a very relaxing day in Mexico staying in port. In Belize, booked an excursion, not through the cruise line, and there was a moment of question regarding safety. Our old bus run by locals had to stop at a check point where there were men dressed in plain clothes carrying very large guns were standing guard. We went through just fine, and had a wonderful time. The best advice about safety, is know your risk and be aware of your surroundings. This is true anytime you are travelling somewhere unfamiliar. I promise I know places locally in beautiful Sunshiney Florida where I would feel more unsafe than I did in Belize.

 

My favorite Caribbean itenary was Grand Cayman, Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. It was also my first cruise, so perhaps that's why I hold it in such high esteem. Nassau is dirty, and nothing special when compared to the other islands available. I also loved my time in St. Thomas, and St. Maartin.

 

Feb - May is a lovely time for cruising, but everyone else will think so too, because their tired of the cold :) so come prepared knowing you will be seeing a lot of people in one place. Patience, and a determination for fun is necessary.

 

When I choose what port to leave out of it is less by what state is closest, but more about what ship I want to go on, or the itenary I want to see. So if you haven't already, I suggest, narrow down where you want to go, then choose the port based on best airfare you can get, then what company to go with based on price and ship. That path may lead you to an unexpected answer that fits for you. (for example, carnival offers a Caribbean cruise leaving out of NY during the summer. If you can get crazy cheap airfare to NY, the ship is sailing where you want to go, hey, why not? - though that would not be my first choice).

 

Once you figure out the destination, Then worry about how to get there and cost, then worry about which line of cruise ship, and then what kind of cabin you want. Worrying about the cabin before you even know where you're going is a bit of cart before the horse. Besides, cabins are much like sardine cans, it's just a place to sleep, I only care that I'm on the ship! (mostly true - I do have my preferences, but ask that question once you get the larger details narrowed down.)

 

I hipe you've gotten a bit of help from our opinions, and not more confusion! It's a wonderful gift - a cruise! That's how I got hooked :)

 

 

Thank you for the great information my thoughts are that i would like to really look into doing the first cruise you have done. My father in law just booked a 7 night cruise with a balcony on carnival traveling the same cruise you mentioned for 499.00 I thought that was a great price :) So at this point that is what I am after. A carnival cruise with a balcony for my wife,4 year old daughter and myself going to belize lol any advice on that ? lol

[grrl2grrl]

I've never sailed with a balcony, so I'm not sure I'm best to offer advice on that. We like the inside because we can go to the lowest floor with cabins, (closer to the bottom, less motion you'll feel at night when the ship speeds up) and also because we can shut our cabin door at 2 in the afternoon and the room is pitch black like it's night time. We enjoy a before dinner nap most days, because we can't do that on land with our schedules, and because we tend to pack our vacation full of adventure that naps help to be up early for the ports and staying up late for the comedy shows. Plus with a 4 year old, napping may be necessary.

I have some secondary balcony info from a great friend that just got back with their 1 year old & had a balcony. They enjoyed that when the youngster had to go to bed for the night they could step out on the balcony with a glass of wine and enjoy the Caribbean. That would not have been as pleasant with an inside cabin. So for the price your Father in law got for a balcony, it seems well worth it. Just be aware of some of the negatives, smokers tend to buy the balconies, it's seen a lot on these boards that the non-smokers complain the smoke carries over to their balcony rendering it not pleasant for the non-smoker to use. The other potential I've seen on the boards a bunch is people feel like they have privacy, so can go clothing optional, or even getting busy, but can be seen, or disturbing those with cabins around them.

I've never taken a balcony, so this is just from word of mouth and reading. I am a fan of being prepared, and having as much knowledge as possible when making decisions. So, do with that info what you will...

 

As far as Belize, the Port itself... Where you dock looks like all the other cruise ports, shiny clean shops, and resturants. Just behind the cruise dock wall is a market where you will find things that look more local (not sure if they are in fact local or just filled with stuff made in China that looks the tourist gift part). I did see Several children walking around, and I checked on the security of my wallet pretty often. I really wanted to do the Cave Tubing excursion but Carnival stopped contracting with the company rumored b/c someone died on the excursion. I took the risk, and we were fine, but I don't know if I would take a non-Carnival excursion in this port with a 4 year old. As a parent I would feel more vulnerable if I had to be concerned about my child's safety, instead of just my own. Perhaps things have changed with the area since I was there 5 years ago, though. I recommend going to the cruise port boards on cruise critic and check out more current experiences. Also, check out some of the current cruise reviews from the same itenerary you're looking to experience. Take the reviews from everyone, even mine, with a grain of salt. Some people can have a good time anywhere, and others can find a way to be miserable in even the best of places...

If you're looking for the 7 day to the Cozumel, Belize, Roaton, Grand Cayman itenery, I think you'll have several port options with Carnival. Double check, but I think you can sail from Galveston TX, New Orleans LA, or several Florida ports. When I have a long flight to get to a cruise port I usually try to book a 2 week vacation. I get to the port a few days early and explore the port town and surrounding areas. Then when we are off the cruise I have a few days left of vacation in the port town to relax or find more adventures somewhere very different from home.

 

I hope my ramblings helped. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! I love talking about cruises!

[attilamom1217]

Bahamas are nice in the Spring, but they are in the Atlantic Ocean and water may still be cold!

 

Caribbean waters are warmer. You can find cruises to the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Cayman Islands...) out of New Orleans, Galveston, Tampa. From Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, there are cruises to both Eastern and Western Caribbean.

 

However, starting in April, some of the cruise ships leave Florida and move to the summer homes in Europe and Alaska so your options are reduced.

 

Carnival will be the least expensive, but is a good value for families. if you need to fly, then cruising with Carnival is nicer to your budget.

 

That said, I personally prefer RCI or Princess and both have plenty of onboard activities as well.

 

All mainstream cruise lines (including my favorite Celebrity) have a kids 'camp' so your 4 year old can spend times with her peers and leave you two with grown up time. Since a 4 year old is not going to be rock wall climbing, surfing on board, etc., Celebrity is a good option but can be pricier than RCI and/or Princess.

 

Out of California, you can go South to the Western Coast of Mexico - Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, etc.

 

If you can fly to San Juan, there are cruises (Celebrity, Carnival, RCI) to the Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Barbados, etc.)

 

Make your plans then invite your family members. Give them your TA information so that (s)he can make a group out of your family. If the group is large enough, there might be a discount that can be offered to the group. But I believe you would all need to use the same TA. I've never created a group, so I do not know the details.

 

Enjoy your cruise and join your roll call when you are booked.

[Harry and Lucille]

You like time at sea? I would suggest Princess roundtrip from LA. 15 days to Hawaii and back. Time of year makes a big difference on price. Doing it again this December 5. You don't spend much time on the islands however, they go all out so that everyone enjoys the time at sea, no matter what the age. Check it out. :cool:

[blonby1970]

You like time at sea? I would suggest Princess roundtrip from LA. 15 days to Hawaii and back. Time of year makes a big difference on price. Doing it again this December 5. You don't spend much time on the islands however, they go all out so that everyone enjoys the time at sea, no matter what the age. Check it out. :cool:

 

That Sound Like A Fun Trip What's It Called So I Can Look Up Price Thanks