Newbie here needs all kinds of help!

[Katzpur]

Hi, all! My husband and I are considering a cruise in perhaps March of 2014. By then, I'll be so sick of winter (I am already) that I will be absolutely aching to go someplace warm. We want this to be a great experience but really are pretty much in the dark about how to proceed. Here's what I can tell you about us that may help you give us some suggestions...

 

We've been on just one cruise before, and while we did have fun, I would honestly say that we found many aspects of it to be quite disappointing. We took this cruise roughly 20 years ago when our son and daughter were about 14 and 11 years of age respectively. It was a Carnival cruise and the ship was the Carnivale. I don't even know if the ship exists any long. It appears to be in pretty sad shape when we were sailing on it. It was very, very old, and clean but not the slighest bit aesthetically appearing. It was a Carribean cruise, just about 4 days long, which we booked in conjunction with a trip to Walt Disney World. It was a huge party scene and we didn't have anything in common with anybody we met on board the ship. I really don't know how to characterize the passengers without sounding pretty uppity myself (and I definitely do not consider myself to be an uppity person!). At any rate, I would very much like to avoid a similar experience in the future.

 

So, with that in mind...

 

1. We're 71 and 65, and both retired. We are not, however, ready to stop having fun.

 

2. We're not drinkers and we're not into partying, but we do like good food and we do enjoy socializing.

 

3. We enjoy luxury but we don't require it. We've been on a couple of pretty extravagant vacations (not cruises) and on others on which we were on a shoestring.

 

4. We are not comfortable with high-society snobs. We're not comfortable with the other extreme either. We're both college educated, socially liberal and interested in seeing the world.

 

5. I don't know if we should be looking for a large ship, a small one, or something in between. I really don't know what the advantages are to any of them.

 

6. We're thinking of going somewhere in Europe/the Mediterranean or to Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific. I'd say that we'd definitely want to keep the total trip down to less than three weeks. Between 10 and 14 days would probably be ideal (although probably not very realistic if we were to go to Australia).

 

7. We really don't know which cruise lines (and specific ships) would be the best fit for us, but our total budget including airfare to the port of departure could not exceed $10,000.

 

Any help anyone could offer would be MUCH appreciated.

Edited November 27, 2013 by Katzpur

[Scrapnana]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

I would look into Celebrity or HAL. Both do cruises like you describe. You could do a 10-14 day Med cruise with airfare for $10,000. Australia not quite as doable because of air fares.

 

Try to find a good travel agent (if possible, one that specializes in cruises). Check that they have a good rating with the BBB and do not charge for changes/cancellations. We cannot recommend travel agents on Cruise Critic but check with friends and families.

Edited November 27, 2013 by Scrapnana

[middlehaitch]

Hello,

If you are thinking of doing the southern hemisphere in March remember that their seasons are the opposite of ours in the northern hemisphere so you would be entering autumn. The Med would be cool too.

Most cruise lines pull out of both areas between November and April (you could think of a trans Atlantic or Pacific then spend a week on land before flying home) and concentrate their fleets in the Caribbean.

I would recommend Celebrity to you as it fits a lot of your requirements. Even the new Solstice class ships aren't mega ships, and all ships are either newer or have been recently upgraded and beautifully decorated.

As for passenger demographics; you sound as though you would fit in well. It is probably a 35/65 split with passengers being over 50 in the majority. That being said it it not a stuffy sleepy ship you will be on, but one that is friendly, sociable and lacking in party animals.

I find the food in the main dining room is very good and in the specialty restaurants (you pay $ 30-45pp) the food is excellent.

The dress code in the evening is country club casual (I dress as though going to a good restaurant), with 3 formal nights on 14 night cruises. On these nights tux or suit for men and cocktail, fancy pants or gowns for women.

Not sure what type of room you are looking for but a veranda would be probably $2500-3000 for 14 days.

I should mention too that the staff on Celebrity ships are excellent, both attentive and friendly.

There is plenty to do on the ship.Organised events are mostly quieter ; trivia, talks, sometimes afternoon ballroom dancing, etc. but quite often you will be glad of a day relaxing and socialising if you chose a port intensive cruise. There are no belly flop competitions or loudspeaker announcements.

I looked on their site and there is just one cruise available:

12 night New Zealand Fijordland Cruise on the Celebrity Solstice.

I hope this helps you a little and will encourage others to post their recommendations.

I have only cruised Celebrity but would be glad to answer any questions you have.

Cheers, h.

If you look below you will see we are on a Caribbean cruise in March.

(Oops scrapnana I see we were both recommending Celebrity at the same time, you type faster. :) h.)(

Edited November 27, 2013 by middlehaitch

[dorisis]

i have cruised those areas with Princess and several europebased ships. they were all fine but I highly recommend Oceania for the smaller sized ships they run. A bit more expensive but worth it and the ocean view cabins are just fine.

 

Although Holland American, Celebrity and Princess all do a fine job, Oceania has better food and sevice without having to pay extra for coffees, soda and restaurants. You would find most of the passengers in your age group who enjoy the same things you like.

 

Do talk to a travel agent and get some brochures. Often they can help you get prepaid gratuities and money to spend onboard.

[Katzpur]

Thank you all so much. All of your comments have been extremely helpful. I've started a similar thread on another forum I visit regularly and am comparing answers. So far, I'm feeling best about Celebrity and HAL, although a couple of comments have left me with minor concerns. One person said that Celebrity passengers tend to be a bit snooty; she also said, though, that in their defense, they are just extremely loyal to Celebrity and can't imagine anyone sailing with any other line. Have those of you who've sailed Celebrity found that to be a problem? I just can't imagine sitting down to dinner every night with people who pretended I was invisible, if you know what I mean.

 

HAL was said by some to have a reputation for being a tad "old fogey." While I'd rather have that than the other extreme, I don't want to feel like I'm on a floating nursing home, either.

 

One person on the other forum described NCL as "cheap and mediocre." Someone else said that was absolutely not the case.

 

Has anyone sailed with Royal Carribean? That was another option mentioned.

 

I also appreciate the mention of Oceania, but would appreciate a little more detailed information about it -- particularly regarding the clientele. The more I'm thinking about this, the more important it is to me that we basically "fit in." I know it's just a trip and we'll never see these people again, so maybe that shouldn't matter all that much. I just keep going back to my experience with Carnival and it's something I want to avoid in the future.

 

Any further comments would be much appreciated, and I thank you all again for being so helpful so far.

[Katzpur]

Okay, we're seriously thinking about a 12-day cruise on the Celebrity Equinox. Ports are: Barcelona, Nice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Capri, Mykonos, Ephesus, Athens, Dubrovnik, and Venice.

 

Most of the sailing is at night. I guess that's typical. I'd just never stopped to think about it. Two full days are at sea. We'd depart May 8, and we can get an inside room for $1789 per person (that's a discount rate). Any red flags anybody can think of?

Edited November 28, 2013 by Katzpur

[middlehaitch]

Oh I am nearly wetting myself with excitement after reading your post.

My very first cruise was a Med cruise on the Solstice, sister to the Equinox, and I loved it!

I have been to some of the ports and really envy you starting in Barcelona. You will have to give yourself some time there pre-cruise so you can see all the Gaudi architecture. And of course ending in Venice it a treat, make sure you give yourself time there too!

There is so much I could say about the cruise I would drive you crazy- yes it is an itinerary I would love to do.

Go check out the roll call and see what you think, though don't base your decision to book on that. Whatever you book do join the roll call it does help break the ice.

Oh, about those snooty 'I only sail Celebrity' types ; even though I have only sailed Celebrity, I am not at all snooty. Yes there are a few people like that on every line; the good thing is, they tend to stay together and not bother us more sociable people.

I do hope you do one of my dream cruises.

Cheers, h.

[4x4bob]

katzpur;

 

In May 2008 we took almost the same cruise on the Princess Emerald.

We Flew into Barcelona 5 days early to visit that city. I really recommend this if you can fit it into your schedule.

We stayed at a Hotel two blocks from the Sagrada Familla, a famous church under construction for 75 years, which is a transportation hub. The Hop ON/Hop Off Buses are the way to see this city.

All of the Ports you will visit are rich in History and can be labor intense with lots of walking. And, they are worth every step.

Also, if you like to take Photo's like I do, you will be very happy.

One little word of caution. The tour guides carry a round sign on a stick so you can follow along. When I stopped to take a photo my group walked on. When I looked up all I could see was round signs every where.:confused:

And, there is lots of fun stuff to do. Example, we signed up for an evening Gondola Ride in Venice. Just before we boarded the gondola a light rain started. As we boarded the operator gave us a bottle of Chamagne. So, picture this. Me holding an umbrella and a glass of Champagne in my left hand, do not want water to get into the Campagne, the bottle between my feet so it will not spill, and my camera in my right hand. My wife and two friends with us watched me more then the scenery. Proud to say, I did not spill a drop.:D

 

If I ever run out of new places to go on a Cruise to, I will take this one again.

 

Bob

[MommaBear55]

Okay, we're seriously thinking about a 12-day cruise on the Celebrity Equinox. Ports are: Barcelona, Nice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Capri, Mykonos, Ephesus, Athens, Dubrovnik, and Venice.

 

Most of the sailing is at night. I guess that's typical. I'd just never stopped to think about it. Two full days are at sea. We'd depart May 8, and we can get an inside room for $1789 per person (that's a discount rate). Any red flags anybody can think of?

 

 

This sounds perfect for all the reasons you have mentioned.

 

I think there are three types of vacations- holidays, which I describe as sitting on the beach, staying at a low key resort; vacations which are a blend of activities and relaxation and trips; and trips, where you are do a lot, walk a lot, see a lot. This cruise sounds like a trip, so you may go home more tired than you left! It sounds great.

 

I have sailed Celebrity twice and did not find it snooty at all. I think you would find the group very simpatico.

[LHT28]

I would go with Oceania Most passengers are mature well travelled no formal nights, food is subjective but they do use quality ingredients it is not a party ship that is for sure, no children's programs you may find a few children onboard but not like the main stream lines, small ship so no line ups everywhere Air is included in the price advertised so take that into account we are mid 60's ..Oceania is our cruise line of choice No big vegas style shows I would check out the reviews on the cruise lines you might be interested in then decide Enjoy whatever cruise you choose

[LHT28]

T I also appreciate the mention of Oceania, but would appreciate a little more detailed information about it -- particularly regarding the clientele. The more I'm thinking about this, the more important it is to me that we basically "fit in." I know it's just a trip and we'll never see these people again, so maybe that shouldn't matter all that much. I just keep going back to my experience with Carnival and it's something I want to avoid in the future.

 

Any further comments would be much appreciated, and I thank you all again for being so helpful so far.

 

I think you would fit in with Oceania It it NOTHING like Carnival :) it is open dining so you do not have to sit with the same people every day ;) Unless you choose to of course their 2 larger ships are modern with 1250 passengers , not crowded at all Have a look on their website for some photos

[Katzpur]

Oh I am nearly wetting myself with excitement after reading your post.

My very first cruise was a Med cruise on the Solstice, sister to the Equinox, and I loved it!

I have been to some of the ports and really envy you starting in Barcelona. You will have to give yourself some time there pre-cruise so you can see all the Gaudi architecture. And of course ending in Venice it a treat, make sure you give yourself time there too!

There is so much I could say about the cruise I would drive you crazy- yes it is an itinerary I would love to do.

We have actually been to about half of the ports we stop at before, including both Barcelona and Venice. Actually, I specifically chose a cruise that included Venice, as it is my favorite city in the world.

 

I'm so happy to see you excited for us! I know that when people tell me they're going to go somewhere I love, I get excited for them -- just anticipating how much fun they're going to have. Your response pretty much alleviated most of my concerns.

 

Go check out the roll call and see what you think, though don't base your decision to book on that.

Check out the roll call? I'm not sure what you mean.

[Katzpur]

One little word of caution. The tour guides carry a round sign on a stick so you can follow along. When I stopped to take a photo my group walked on. When I looked up all I could see was round signs every where.:confused:

Okay, you just about talked me out of the trip. ;) When my hubby and I were in Rome years and years ago (long before cell phones or anything like that), we got separated. We managed to find each other again after only about 10 minutes, but I swear I thought I was never, ever, ever going to see him again.

 

If I ever run out of new places to go on a Cruise to, I will take this one again.

It is so good to hear everyone tell me we're making a good choice! Thank you all.

[Katzpur]

This cruise sounds like a trip, so you may go home more tired than you left!

I know. That seriously does concern me a little bit.

[4x4bob]

Once you select a cruise line and a sign up for a specific cruise you can then go to the Roll Call section on the Cruise Critic index page.

Click on your cruise line. That will take you to a page listing the ships operated by the cruise line. Click on your ship.

The next page will bring up Roll Calls started by people going on a specific date. Look for your date. You must sign in to read/write into a roll call.

You can then interact with people who will be going on the same cruise. Some people form groups to rent vans with in a port or go on tours together. They also set up Meet and Greet events to get to talk face to face with those they have being posting with pre-cruise.

Some Roll Calls also set other activities depending on how long the cruise is.

However, not all Roll Calls are equal. Some have a lot posting going on and don't.

 

Bob

[Katzpur]

Once you select a cruise line and a sign up for a specific cruise you can then go to the Roll Call section on the Cruise Critic index page.

Click on your cruise line. That will take you to a page listing the ships operated by the cruise line. Click on your ship.

The next page will bring up Roll Calls started by people going on a specific date. Look for your date. You must sign in to read/write into a roll call.

You can then interact with people who will be going on the same cruise. Some people form groups to rent vans with in a port or go on tours together. They also set up Meet and Greet events to get to talk face to face with those they have being posting with pre-cruise.

Some Roll Calls also set other activities depending on how long the cruise is.

However, not all Roll Calls are equal. Some have a lot posting going on and don't.

 

Bob

Well, we've booked the cruise. I asked the agent who handled the booking if he knew what a roll call was. He didn't have a clue. :rolleyes: So, thank you. This sounds like a good idea. I'll be checking it out.

[Katzpur]

Here's some advice I got from someone on another forum. I'd appreciate it if all of you would weigh in on it with your opinions...

 

Word to the wise: Never book ship excursions. Go on tripadvisor and find independent companies in each port. You will appreciate it!

[puppycanducruise]

My suggestion is to go to a local travel agency and get a bunch of glossy brochures from several cruise companies and read them. Read reviews online (with a grain of salt). Check out the cost of airfare and flight times (you don't want to have to rush like mad to get to the airport on the last day of your cruise). Plan on going a day or two before the cruise.

My DH and I did a 11 day cruise on HAL out of Rome this past spring. We stayed 2 days in Rome before the cruise to do some sightseeing. Med cruises tend to be port intensive, on our 11 day cruise, only 2 sea days. In some ports, we just got off the ship and 'wandered around' - no need for expensive shore excursions at each stop. However, in Athens and Kusadasi, they were, in my opinion, necessary to get the most out of the days.

A few years ago, we did a Baltic cruise, again on HAL. I especially loved St Petersburg Russia.

My DH and I are in our 50s and feel we fit in quite well on HAL. We are not the youngest or oldest on any ship we've been on.

Also, you might want to investigate river cruises (there is a section on CC).

We've been on 3 European cruises (I'd love to look at doing another, but the long flight and airfare makes me think twice), and we usually budget about 10k for 2 weeks.

You have a lot of decisions to make, and if you want to travel in March of next year, you need to get going because some cruises (especially river cruises) may have limited space.

Research and planning are lots of fun.

Have a great trip.:)

[LHT28]

Well, we've booked the cruise. I asked the agent who handled the booking if he knew what a roll call was. He didn't have a clue. :rolleyes:

Too funny

 

go here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34

look for the cruise line you chose >

then look for the ship you chose

Find the sailing date that you booked then post there

That is a ROLL CALL

[Katzpur]

I did that, and posted an introductory post. Thank you all! :)

[zoncom]

Katz, Hope you booked Eclipse. One of nicer Euro Itins I have seen. Speaking of DIY excursions, we did both day and night boat cruises of Venice Grand Canal this Spring. Really one of cruise highlights. I found HAL to be a floating nursing home with marginal food.I am also in my 70s.

[Katzpur]

Katz, Hope you booked Eclipse.

We did! We put our deposit down and are ready to go!

 

Speaking of DIY excursions, we did both day and night boat cruises of Venice Grand Canal this Spring. Really one of cruise highlights.

Can you remember what these cost you?

 

I found HAL to be a floating nursing home with marginal food.I am also in my 70s.

So good to hear that we made a wise decision. Every time I mention our ages, I'm afraid people are imaging two old bent-over, withered up people. I'm not there yet, for sure. At age 61, I jumped out of an airplane 14,000 feet over Oahu! :)

[LHT28]

We did! We put our deposit down and are ready to go!

 

 

Are you on the Equinox or Eclipse?

 

You posted in the Equinox roll call

[Katzpur]

Are you on the Equinox or Eclipse?

 

You posted in the Equinox roll call

Oops! Sorry, I'm actually booked on the Equinox. I just didn't read the post I responded to very carefully. It's a good thing these two cruises are leaving different ports on different days. Otherwise, I'd probably end up getting on the wrong ship and getting mad because they told me I had no reservation! :o Edited November 30, 2013 by Katzpur

[LHT28]

Oops! Sorry, I'm actually booked on the Equinox. I just didn't read the post I responded to very carefully. It's a good thing these two cruises are leaving different ports on different days. Otherwise, I'd probably end up getting on the wrong ship and getting mad because they told me I had no reservation! :o

 

LOL

I guess you were just so excited:D

I am sure you will be fine

Enjoy the cruise