Extreme Newbie - Please Help!

[wassup4565]

opting for a middle of the road boat for a few nights in the Caribbean is ideal as opposed to jumping straight to the glamorous luxury cruises.

What has amazed me about cruising is that even "a middle of the road boat for a few nights" feels, to me, like a glamorous luxury experience. I think you will find this too. It's just such a cut above any resort experience I've ever had.

 

Jump in, join us cruisers. Like me, you may never go back on land for your vacations.

[jb456]

Afternoon Everyone,

 

Spent most of last night searching cruises and I think I found something. Anyone been on Celebrity Cruise Lines? Thoughts of that line?

 

There offering a 1,2,3 go promo... Terms is a 3 night or more cruise, and ocean view or higher room.

 

2 guests get the drink package for beers,wine, soda, etc and the 3 guest gets a non alcoholic package... Which works perfectly because my wife does not drink.

 

Additionally each person gets 38 minutes free internet.

 

I just got off the phone with them to inquire on a 3 night Bahamas cruise for fun... Not the final one were considering but just wanted to see what the total price would be and drink packages, etc as it would not provide me with that info online.

 

3 people in an Ocean View, with pull down bed including paying gratuities in advance came to 1152$. (including drink packages)

 

For 100$ more could get a Veranda room with sofa bed.

 

Now I don't know anything about cruises and what prices should be... But I tried another cruise line for fun that was offering a 4 room upgrade... The price for a 3 night bahamas cruise came with paying gratuities in advance was 914$ (without any drink packages)

 

That is without a "drink package".. I'm fairly certain paying for drinks one at a time, beer, wine, soda, rum and coke, etc ) we'd likely have a decent 500$ plus bill at the end of the cruise.

 

So I think Celebrities 1,2,3 promo is excellent. Am I wrong?

 

----------

 

Drinks were our biggest concern. Especially since we are really considering on a 7 night cruise... Those days "at sea" would be rather expensive. But it seems like Celebrity covers that.

 

Any thoughts and comments you could share?

 

Thank you!

Edited January 19, 2014 by jb456

[crystalspin]

Sounds a good deal. Recommend the longer cruise (not 3-day) and recommend the verandah (AKA balcony) with sofa. The room IN ALL will be bigger and that is very nice even though you think you won't spend much time there.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

[jb456]

Sounds a good deal. Recommend the longer cruise (not 3-day) and recommend the verandah (AKA balcony) with sofa. The room IN ALL will be bigger and that is very nice even though you think you won't spend much time there.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

 

 

Thanks Crystal for the link to Celebrity.

 

Was just watching youtube videos of the Veranda rooms. They seem very suitable for us.

 

Thank you for all your help

[Cruisin' Chick]

What might be a very good idea (and I think at least one person did recommend) is going in to see a "cruise specialist," a travel agent who is knowledgeable about cruises (a good one has been on many different cruise lines and will try to match you up with the right ship). Noticed that I said ship (when you're on board, the "boat" is the life boat or the tender boat that is used to transport passengers to the shore in ports where the ship has to anchor off from the pier). Go in with your list of "musts" (itinerary, dates, features) and a budget.

 

Reasons to use a cruise specialist to book your cruise is that it doesn't cost any extra to do so (just make sure their agency won't charge any special fees, such as making changes to your booking), you can ask a ton of questions and get the correct responses. He or she wants to get your repeat business and also wants to please you so that you'll recommend this agency to your friends. Online agencies may get you "special fares" but can't provide the same service, if you need it, and the person you're booking with is simply an operator who may have never seen the ocean, much less been on a ship.

 

There are often some differences among the various mass market lines so an answer above you'd received may be relevant to some and not all lines.

 

As noted, there are deck plans you can look at for any ship on the cruise line's web site. I know on Princess, each deck plan has color coding for the different categories of cabins. There's also symbols indicating which cabins will fit three or four passengers. You won't be allowed to book a two-person cabin for the three of you. It's just the way things work. Many cabins that fit more than two persons will just have two persons, as not every "berth" (bed) will be filled due to life boat capacity. Sometimes families may book more than one cabin, but if there's a solo in one cabin, there is usually a solo supplement, which can be pricey.

 

My family always have booked an inside or an ocean view cabin for the three of us, and we always have gotten what's called the "third passenger" rate for our daughter, who will sleep in the bunk that comes out from the wall. It works for us. Each person will be charge the port taxes (whether or not you actually get off the ship or not), government fees and autotips (some people might say you can take them off or reduce them, but many of us won't because we understand and can see how hard and how many hours the crew members work to make our cruise memorable). And not only that, many will not hesitate to tip their cabin steward (that's the person who will make sure your cabin is cleaned every day besides the other duties they do for you) and wait staff in the main dining room.

 

Once you book your cruise, you can look at the website for the cruise line and read up on the ship. You'll find out the dining options (we're traditionalists ourselves, preferring late dining -- we didn't care for our one time with flexible dining for many reasons). The main dining room and buffet (that's the casual dining room at which you go to the food area and serve yourself and then find a table) do not have any extra charge (I have read that on Royal Caribbean, steaks can cost extra). Some other venues will be included too (such as the International Cafe on Princess). We've only eaten at one specialty restaurant on any of our cruises, but that was because I was gifted with a dinner.

 

There is a dress code with main dining rooms at dinner time (no shorts,for example), but for the buffets, it's a bit more relaxed (shoes, no wet bathing suits -- and any bathing suits must be covered).

 

You can spend money on shore excursions in port (the cruise lines offer them or you can go with an independent company) or just wing it. Make sure you are always aware of when you need to be back on board (an absolute must because the captain doesn't have to wait for you if you're not back in time). I'm the family researcher, and we'll discuss if we're winging it or taking a tour (which will be through the cruise line).

 

I'm not much of a drinker, and there's been cruises in which I didn't have a drink, while my hubby may have a glass of wine here and there. We haven't bought a soda card in many cruises as I'm not a coke fan (Coke seems to have a monopoly on most lines). Princess lets us bring on soda so we'll pack a crate with my Mountain Dew and Sobe. But if you're into drinking, then you might save money by getting a package deal (which is usually based on how long the cruise is). We also don't gamble, so the casino is not of interest to us.

 

One piece of advice I can give you (besides checking your country's importation rules about alcohol) is to arrive in your embarkation city (say Miami) at least a day ahead. Too many people have their flights screwed up and then find themselves not able to get to the ship on time.

[WhansaMi]

Afternoon Everyone,

 

Spent most of last night searching cruises and I think I found something. Anyone been on Celebrity Cruise Lines? Thoughts of that line?

 

There offering a 1,2,3 go promo... Terms is a 3 night or more cruise, and ocean view or higher room.

 

2 guests get the drink package for beers,wine, soda, etc and the 3 guest gets a non alcoholic package... Which works perfectly because my wife does not drink.

 

Additionally each person gets 38 minutes free internet.

 

I just got off the phone with them to inquire on a 3 night Bahamas cruise for fun... Not the final one were considering but just wanted to see what the total price would be and drink packages, etc as it would not provide me with that info online.

 

3 people in an Ocean View, with pull down bed including paying gratuities in advance came to 1152$. (including drink packages)

 

For 100$ more could get a Veranda room with sofa bed.

 

Now I don't know anything about cruises and what prices should be... But I tried another cruise line for fun that was offering a 4 room upgrade... The price for a 3 night bahamas cruise came with paying gratuities in advance was 914$ (without any drink packages)

 

That is without a "drink package".. I'm fairly certain paying for drinks one at a time, beer, wine, soda, rum and coke, etc ) we'd likely have a decent 500$ plus bill at the end of the cruise.

 

So I think Celebrities 1,2,3 promo is excellent. Am I wrong?

 

----------

 

Drinks were our biggest concern. Especially since we are really considering on a 7 night cruise... Those days "at sea" would be rather expensive. But it seems like Celebrity covers that.

 

Any thoughts and comments you could share?

 

Thank you!

 

I would not take a three day. These tend to be young'uns looking to party.

 

I can tell you are apprehensive about a seven day, but I would recommend it. My husband had to drag me screaming and kicking (well, not literally!) onto our first cruise. As you can tell my my signature, I liked it. A three day really only gets you settled in, finding your way around, and then you have to leave (that last day, you leave REALLY early).

 

I have traveled mostly with Carnival and HAL, with a couple of others thrown in. I hear Celebrity is very nice; we had planned to do a transatlantic with them this year, but my son scheduled his wedding then. I wouldn't recommend HAL for you guys, and, even though I've had some very good Carnival trips (especially to Alaska), I would never recommend a three day trip on Carnival. A lot of the time the itinerary and length determines what the crowd will be like.

[wassup4565]

Three days on a ship is not enough time to find out if you really like cruising. Five is bare minimum, and seven nights on board is a true test of whether cruising is your choice of vacation.

 

Guy, I`m starting to get the feeling you`re toying with people here. You`ve received a lot of sound advice, and the many, many threads on CC will help you zero in on details. It`s not up to us to plan your vacation and you shouldn`t work us to the bone trying to make you happy.

 

You know enough. Take the plunge (pun intended). That`s what we all did. Or don`t.

 

See ya - over and out.

[jb456]

@ Cruisin-Chick,

 

Thank you for all the information it's very helpful. Our friends who cruise a few times a year have provided us with their travel agents information. We will be making arrangements to meet the agent this week to get more detailed answers about specific lines to find out what is more suitable for us.

 

I'm fairly certain that it's going to be with Celebrity do to their 1,2,3 promo. It just seems to be the right fit. My wife does not drink and loves her coffee/ teas. Myself and son do enjoy some drinks and Celebrity promo will cover 2 alcohol packages and 1 non alcohol package for coffee, etc that is perfect for the wife.

 

It seems like a perfect fit as to what we want. Without a package I'd hate to see the final bill if we were paying drink by drink. Budget is not so much of an issue but we will be in Florida all of Feb through mid March so we do have to keep an eye on the overall budget.

 

Thank you for the advice of flying in a day in advance. For us it's not an issue as we will already be there so we actually have a few different sailing dates to choose from. We also have relatives that reside in Florida so were only about 20 minutes to Port Everglades and don't have to worry about transportation, parking, etc.

 

We're highly considering the Celebrity Constellation. I've started to post questions on the Celebrity thread and have spent the majority of yesterday reading reviews, pictures, watching youtube videos and it is starting to appeal to us more and more.

 

Were not fussy and don't need "the best" just want to change things up a bit and try something new.

 

I do have a question if you could help with... For the main dining room on any cruise (for NON formal nights) would similar cloths to golf attire work for me or will I be under dressed? Like beige pants and collared polo shirt?

 

I'd much rather wear jeans with a polo shirt. I presume that is not allowed?

 

Thank you!

 

--------------------------

[jb456]

@WhansaMi

 

Agree on the 3 day cruise.. From the videos I've watched and the reviews it's not for us.

 

Yes apprehensive on the 7 night cruise. One interests us very much Belize, Mexico, Roatan, Grand Cayman but hesitant to do that without a drink package... That cruise line each person has to buy the package. I called them to ask because my wife don't drink and its a waste of money but no go. And 924$ plus 15% gratuity is a bit ridiculous. Then again drink by drink might come to even a higher bill for 7 nights. Which I don't really know cause I've never cruised.

 

Were fairly close to booking a 5 night with Celeb on Constellation. It only has 2 stops which one we don't like.. Its Key West then Mexico, but were always in Key West so it does not really make sense to go on that cruise but same time it seems right.

 

Celebs 7 nights are rather expensive compared to other ships... I don't know I'm all over the place!

 

 

--------------

 

@ wassup4565 - "NO" I'm not trying to toy with anyone here. When you know absolutely nothing about a subject you research, review, ask questions, which is exactly what I'm doing and what a forum is supposed to be about.

 

No one is making you read or respond to my questions so your not obliged to. That's what an open forum is all about but I guess this is just like the Trip Advisor forums.

 

In all honesty you have all been very very helpful and I've take all the advice that has been given... 2 days ago I was a hot mess, bouncing from site to site, "Server Overload"....

 

I did not know anything and it was all confusing from what you have to pay to room categories, to different ships.

 

2 days later thanks to all you helpful people...I'm on track to picking the right cruise, I've narrowed it down to a possible final line, I've read and read review upon review.

 

and most importantly I can finally say "I understand what cruising is now" why can I say that? Only because of all the helpful people on this thread (Including yourself) that took time out of their day to help a confused person like myself.

 

I am not toying around with anyone here.

 

Thanks you!

Edited January 20, 2014 by jb456

[crystalspin]

@ jb

 

Hi again!

 

Now that you're narrowing it down to probably X (Celebrity's abbreviation on CC and their own website, presume because Carnival is CCL), don't forget Google is also still your friend. Here's a site with drink menus from all the bars on one of X's ships -- which would be line-wide with possible 'local' additions.

 

http://cruisewithgambee.com/celebrity-drink-lists/

 

This will help "doing the math" of drink packages if you choose a cruise that is not in the 1-2-3 plan. Don't forget the 15% autogratuity that is probably added to both drinks and onboard drink packages!

 

I see from my Googling that X does have in-room bar setup.

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/planAndBook/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages&tab=onboard_beverage_packages_stateroom_bar_tab%2Fonboard%2FasrPanel.do%3Fpagename%3Donboard_beverage_packages_stateroom_bar

 

This may work for you if (1) you like mostly one or two types of liquor or liqueur (and it's offered), and (2) you and/or your son can finish the bottle(s) in the length of the trip! The prices look about like NCL, and the no-brainer math for my husband and I on our recent two week cruise looked like this:

 

- 2 bottles of Captain Morgan Rum pre-cruise bar setup -- US$166*

- 2 bottles of BACARDI Oakheart if bought on board -- $184 (same price + 15%)

- same number of simple blends or shots, by the 1.5oz drink w/gratuity -- $291.24 (up to $308 if gratuity rounded up to $7 per rum and coke as is my practice)

- UBP with gratuity -- $1578

 

To be sure, we also bought 3 draft beers at Sailaway and two rum-n-diet at shows, so our total bar bill was $198... for two people... for two weeks. YMMV -- you or your son may be into boat drinks or the drink-of-the-day, or wine or beer...

 

On Norwegian, if you have bar setup, you may take your drink anywhere on board -- we didn't, as we were into cocooning in our "sweet" balcony room. You will want to ascertain the details of X's alcohol policy.

Edited January 20, 2014 by crystalspin

[jb456]

@ jb

 

Hi again!

 

Now that you're narrowing it down to probably X (Celebrity's abbreviation on CC and their own website, presume because Carnival is CCL), don't forget Google is also still your friend. Here's a site with drink menus from all the bars on one of X's ships -- which would be line-wide with possible 'local' additions.

 

http://cruisewithgambee.com/celebrity-drink-lists/

 

This will help "doing the math" of drink packages if you choose a cruise that is not in the 1-2-3 plan. Don't forget the 15% autogratuity that is probably added to both drinks and onboard drink packages!

 

I see from my Googling that X does have in-room bar setup.

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/planAndBook/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages&tab=onboard_beverage_packages_stateroom_bar_tab%2Fonboard%2FasrPanel.do%3Fpagename%3Donboard_beverage_packages_stateroom_bar

 

This may work for you if (1) you like mostly one or two types of liquor or liqueur (and it's offered), and (2) you and/or your son can finish the bottle(s) in the length of the trip! The prices look about like NCL, and the no-brainer math for my husband and I on our recent two week cruise looked like this:

 

- 2 bottles of Captain Morgan Rum pre-cruise bar setup -- US$166*

- 2 bottles of BACARDI Oakheart if bought on board -- $184 (same price + 15%)

- same number of simple blends or shots, by the 1.5oz drink w/gratuity -- $291.24 (up to $308 if gratuity rounded up to $7 per rum and coke as is my practice)

- UBP with gratuity -- $1578

 

To be sure, we also bought 3 draft beers at Sailaway and two rum-n-diet at shows, so our total bar bill was $198... for two people... for two weeks. YMMV -- you or your son may be into boat drinks or the drink-of-the-day, or wine or beer...

 

On Norwegian, if you have bar setup, you may take your drink anywhere on board -- we didn't, as we were into cocooning in our "sweet" balcony room. You will want to ascertain the details of X's alcohol policy.

 

Crystal thank you so much for all of your help. Truly appreciate your effort! I'm fairly certain that without your help as well as the others that kindly offered their assistance we would not be doing a cruise. :D

 

For the last hour I've been researching what to do in Mexico. I guess that means we have pretty much decided on the Celebrity Constellation?:p The more I read about the ship and watch videos I think it will be perfect for our first time to test the waters. Depending on the experience then we can go to 7 nights or longer trips.

 

Like I mentioned I don't know whats a good price or not but the one were looking at is $1573CAD total... That's the 3 of us in an Ocean view room, all gratuities paid, 2 drink packages for me/son, 1 non alcohol drink package for the wife and 40 minutes of internet. 5 nights with 2 sea days so we can enjoy the ship!

 

That sounds like a great price to me but I'm a bit of a weirdo when it comes to this stuff LOL and like to make sure I'm getting the best bang for the buck!!. Other cruise lines have a similar route (different port hours and for 4 night)... It's only around 900$ but I'm trying to calculate how much the final bill will be paying drink per drink....I think it will come to about the same price as the 5 night on Celeb give or take a couple hundred.

 

That being said the other one is Carnival which you guys have mentioned is more a rowdy party bunch... I think the Celeb one is most ideal because it as 1 "at sea" day in between each port.

 

I feel (could be wrong) that stopping at one port for an entire day, then having to be up pretty early the next day for the 2nd port can get rather tiring... I like the idea of going to one port then having a day at sea to rejuvenate.

 

Just to let you know... We have made an appointment with a travel agent and will be meeting with her on Wednesday. Were 90% right now for Celebrity Constellation so were hoping to be booked on Wednesday :)

[crystalspin]

Good for you! Hope your cruise and your vacation is all you want it to be!

 

I too was happy that our Panama Canal + Mexican Riviera ports were spaced out with sea days. Puerto Chiapas & Huatulco then Puerto Vallarta & Cabo San Lucas were not separated (2 ports on contiguous days) but those pairs and all other ports were all separated by sea days.

[WhansaMi]

Crystal thank you so much for all of your help. Truly appreciate your effort! I'm fairly certain that without your help as well as the others that kindly offered their assistance we would not be doing a cruise. :D

 

For the last hour I've been researching what to do in Mexico. I guess that means we have pretty much decided on the Celebrity Constellation?:p The more I read about the ship and watch videos I think it will be perfect for our first time to test the waters. Depending on the experience then we can go to 7 nights or longer trips.

 

Like I mentioned I don't know whats a good price or not but the one were looking at is $1573CAD total... That's the 3 of us in an Ocean view room, all gratuities paid, 2 drink packages for me/son, 1 non alcohol drink package for the wife and 40 minutes of internet. 5 nights with 2 sea days so we can enjoy the ship!

 

That sounds like a great price to me but I'm a bit of a weirdo when it comes to this stuff LOL and like to make sure I'm getting the best bang for the buck!!. Other cruise lines have a similar route (different port hours and for 4 night)... It's only around 900$ but I'm trying to calculate how much the final bill will be paying drink per drink....I think it will come to about the same price as the 5 night on Celeb give or take a couple hundred.

 

That being said the other one is Carnival which you guys have mentioned is more a rowdy party bunch... I think the Celeb one is most ideal because it as 1 "at sea" day in between each port.

 

I feel (could be wrong) that stopping at one port for an entire day, then having to be up pretty early the next day for the 2nd port can get rather tiring... I like the idea of going to one port then having a day at sea to rejuvenate.

 

Just to let you know... We have made an appointment with a travel agent and will be meeting with her on Wednesday. Were 90% right now for Celebrity Constellation so were hoping to be booked on Wednesday :)

 

For me, half of the fun is in the planning!

 

If I am looking at the right cruise, you are planning on doing Key West and Cozumel? I haven't been to Key West (we will actually be there on February 10th, on the Ryndam) but I've been to Cozumel before. My kids were younger, 13 and 14, if I recall correctly, so it is a bit different, but we went to Chankanaab National Park and swam with the sea lions and the dolphins.

 

One suggestion I would make for you, on a first cruise, is to try any and all ship activities that you think you might like. You never know. My husband isn't a big drinker, so he didn't think about going to the bartending classes the first couple of cruises. However, on one cruise (it was a quilting cruise, so I was taking classes during the day) he was approached by the activities director, who was trying to get people to participate. He loved it, and has taken them ever since. It is also a great deal -- it was like $10, and included three drinks. And, since the guests were pouring them, they weren't exactly light-handed! ;-)

 

Have you decided whether to have fixed dining or not? We've done it both ways. Most of the time we have enjoyed fixed dining, with a large table. This way, you get to really get to know your tablemates. But, of course, you are somewhat locked in, if you want to go to the main dining room. You do always have the choice of the lido, room service, or whatever premium restaurants they offer.

 

I asked my husband what advice he would give to a brand new cruiser. He said "Tell them they can't do everything. Don't over-schedule. People get too tied up in the schedule, and they forget to relax. If you miss something, just think of it as something to do on the next cruise."

 

As I mentioned, I was very reluctant to cruise. But, now it is my favorite way of travel. You have dinner, enjoy some entertainment, go to sleep, and wake up in the next place! You get to see different places without having all that packing and unpacking, and travel time.

 

:-)

[kitty9]

I'll be leaving in three weeks for an 11 night Celebrity cruise. I think you'll enjoy the Constellation, as she is a lovely ship.

 

Are you doing the 4 or 5 night on Connie? Unlike other lines that do the short cruises, you won't find the party til you puke crowd on Celebrity. It's a more upscale line, a bit more sedate, but not boring.

 

Celebrity has traditional dining and they have Select, where you dine when you want. Celebrity does have a higher dress code, and nearly everyone does adhere to the code. But if you don't want to partake in formal night, you can do the buffet, but I highly recommend not missing formal night because the food is fantastic.

 

The drink package is a great deal. You can have any alcohol drink up to $9 in price. Plus you get bottled water, juices, coffees and teas and soft drinks. We always get the drink package as we really like to have everything paid for before we leave.

[jb456]

For me, half of the fun is in the planning!

 

If I am looking at the right cruise, you are planning on doing Key West and Cozumel? I haven't been to Key West (we will actually be there on February 10th, on the Ryndam) but I've been to Cozumel before. My kids were younger, 13 and 14, if I recall correctly, so it is a bit different, but we went to Chankanaab National Park and swam with the sea lions and the dolphins.

 

One suggestion I would make for you, on a first cruise, is to try any and all ship activities that you think you might like. You never know. My husband isn't a big drinker, so he didn't think about going to the bartending classes the first couple of cruises. However, on one cruise (it was a quilting cruise, so I was taking classes during the day) he was approached by the activities director, who was trying to get people to participate. He loved it, and has taken them ever since. It is also a great deal -- it was like $10, and included three drinks. And, since the guests were pouring them, they weren't exactly light-handed! ;-)

 

Have you decided whether to have fixed dining or not? We've done it both ways. Most of the time we have enjoyed fixed dining, with a large table. This way, you get to really get to know your tablemates. But, of course, you are somewhat locked in, if you want to go to the main dining room. You do always have the choice of the lido, room service, or whatever premium restaurants they offer.

 

I asked my husband what advice he would give to a brand new cruiser. He said "Tell them they can't do everything. Don't over-schedule. People get too tied up in the schedule, and they forget to relax. If you miss something, just think of it as something to do on the next cruise."

 

As I mentioned, I was very reluctant to cruise. But, now it is my favorite way of travel. You have dinner, enjoy some entertainment, go to sleep, and wake up in the next place! You get to see different places without having all that packing and unpacking, and travel time.

 

:-)

 

Yes Key West/Cozumel on the Constellation.

 

Bartending classes? Now that sounds really fun. My son will like that if they have it on the ship. I think I will like it as well :)

 

I think as a first timer were not going to opt for "fixed" dinning. With all the things to do and see I don't think we will be able to follow a dinning schedule. When we do AI's we usually select adult only resorts that have no reservation for ala cartes for that same reason as we never know what each day will bring.

 

Also, although I'm not a big drinker, when I do decide to have a drink I can't eat until I'm done drinking. Might be a sea day that I'm ordering room service in the late evening lol.

 

We've been to Key West multiple times so have somewhat of an idea of what we will go see and do... Think were just going to book the trolly. It's convenient to get around.

 

Cozumel however we've never been to that part of Mexico. Would really like to see the ruins. Not the big ones that you need the ferry and bus ride. Think I read that there is smaller ones right in Cozumel where you can hire a taxi?

 

Would like to do the big ruins but our port hours would only be 7am to 5pm. I Believe I read the tour is 8 hours so that's to much of a squeeze.

 

Do you have any other tips for Cozumel? Anything besides water/snorkel things..

 

Do you have to go through customs there? I presume so.

 

Completely agree with your hubby that we can't do everything. Relaxing, tanning, some entertainment and we have no complaints!

 

Were really pretty relaxed and not fussy/picky so I think that will make everything go pretty smoothly. Was reading some old threads of people complaining about things (drink made wrong, error in food order, loud group at the pool, etc) those things would not really bother us but each person is different so I understand why others might feel differently.. I think we will be fine.

[jb456]

I'll be leaving in three weeks for an 11 night Celebrity cruise. I think you'll enjoy the Constellation, as she is a lovely ship.

 

Are you doing the 4 or 5 night on Connie? Unlike other lines that do the short cruises, you won't find the party til you puke crowd on Celebrity. It's a more upscale line, a bit more sedate, but not boring.

 

Celebrity has traditional dining and they have Select, where you dine when you want. Celebrity does have a higher dress code, and nearly everyone does adhere to the code. But if you don't want to partake in formal night, you can do the buffet, but I highly recommend not missing formal night because the food is fantastic.

 

The drink package is a great deal. You can have any alcohol drink up to $9 in price. Plus you get bottled water, juices, coffees and teas and soft drinks. We always get the drink package as we really like to have everything paid for before we leave.

 

Hi Kitty,

 

It would be the 5 night on Connie. We like the idea that there is a sea day in between ports. It will give us some time to see how we like the cruising experience.

 

I've read that the only formal night is the first at sea day. Would be very nice to do the formal night but I think were going to be to excited to do it. I wouldn't be surprised if you cruising veterans can pick out all the 1st time newbies? LOL

 

It's likely that we will be spending that sea day exploring the ship and some drinks and entertainment. Don't think we'd be up for a formal sit down meal. That thought could change though once were on the ship so we will have the proper attire ready just in case.

 

Yes the drink package is what drew us to the Celeb line due to their promo. After all the reading about signing slips, recalculating slips last night of cruise, etc I think it's to much for us newbies when all we want to do is have a good time. When we get a bit more experience under our belts then we will be able to choose a better line, longer cruise, etc. By then we should have a better understanding of how things work.

 

There was a few other lines that had some very appealing ports but the downside was each person needed to purchase the drink package and my wife does not drink so that would be just wasted funds and with not really knowing the pay per drink thing it's a bit of a gamble if the final bill would be large or not. One could normally have 3/5 drinks at home but when on vacation that of course changes especially if the atmosphere is right so we rather not chance it.

 

Geese the more I type the more my gut is saying just book LOL. Getting this sorted out Wednesday when we see the travel agent that's for sure. We've been talking about the cruise throughout the day and been writing down questions for the agent. I'm sure all will go well.

Edited January 21, 2014 by jb456

[WhansaMi]

Yes Key West/Cozumel on the Constellation.

 

Bartending classes? Now that sounds really fun. My son will like that if they have it on the ship. I think I will like it as well :)

 

I think as a first timer were not going to opt for "fixed" dinning. With all the things to do and see I don't think we will be able to follow a dinning schedule. When we do AI's we usually select adult only resorts that have no reservation for ala cartes for that same reason as we never know what each day will bring.

 

Also, although I'm not a big drinker, when I do decide to have a drink I can't eat until I'm done drinking. Might be a sea day that I'm ordering room service in the late evening lol.

 

We've been to Key West multiple times so have somewhat of an idea of what we will go see and do... Think were just going to book the trolly. It's convenient to get around.

 

Cozumel however we've never been to that part of Mexico. Would really like to see the ruins. Not the big ones that you need the ferry and bus ride. Think I read that there is smaller ones right in Cozumel where you can hire a taxi?

 

Would like to do the big ruins but our port hours would only be 7am to 5pm. I Believe I read the tour is 8 hours so that's to much of a squeeze.

 

Do you have any other tips for Cozumel? Anything besides water/snorkel things..

 

Do you have to go through customs there? I presume so.

 

Completely agree with your hubby that we can't do everything. Relaxing, tanning, some entertainment and we have no complaints!

 

Were really pretty relaxed and not fussy/picky so I think that will make everything go pretty smoothly. Was reading some old threads of people complaining about things (drink made wrong, error in food order, loud group at the pool, etc) those things would not really bother us but each person is different so I understand why others might feel differently.. I think we will be fine.

 

I, too, am a go with the flow kind of person. I tend to think folks make too much of small stuff. I don't expect everything to be perfect. It sounds like that is how you are too, which is a good thing, because nothing *is* perfect.

 

As I read through your post, I remembered something else that I would have wanted to know as a new cruiser -- overall, I find the best excursions to be ones with private guides, rather than the ship's guides. I generally feel like I am being "herded" on a ship's cruise, and I don't like it. I also feel like a lot of time is wasted, just because when you are with a large group, it just takes much longer to get everyone from place to place.

 

Once you've decided on a cruise, go to the roll call section of this board and join the roll call for that cruise. There you can find out what other are doing. We've gone on some private tours with one other couple for much less than the ship's tours, and it could be tailored to our desires. Even if you do it alone, you can end up financially ahead, and have exactly the experience you want.

 

You should also go to the port of call section of Cruise Critic and see which tour operators get the best ratings. I'm sorry I can't be of more help here. We've only gone to Cozumel once. My husband went to the Mayan ruins in Belize, but I have not gone. We are going to them in Costa Playa (I think that is where we are docking next month!).

 

Just one final thought... since you've been to Key West before, I would actually suggest that you bite the bullet and look for a seven day cruise. Part of the fun of a cruise is going to places you've never been. Since it is a five day, and you are really only going to spend eight hours in a new place, you wouldn't get the best experience, IMO.

 

Just a thought.

[jb456]

I, too, am a go with the flow kind of person. I tend to think folks make too much of small stuff. I don't expect everything to be perfect. It sounds like that is how you are too, which is a good thing, because nothing *is* perfect.

 

As I read through your post, I remembered something else that I would have wanted to know as a new cruiser -- overall, I find the best excursions to be ones with private guides, rather than the ship's guides. I generally feel like I am being "herded" on a ship's cruise, and I don't like it. I also feel like a lot of time is wasted, just because when you are with a large group, it just takes much longer to get everyone from place to place.

 

Once you've decided on a cruise, go to the roll call section of this board and join the roll call for that cruise. There you can find out what other are doing. We've gone on some private tours with one other couple for much less than the ship's tours, and it could be tailored to our desires. Even if you do it alone, you can end up financially ahead, and have exactly the experience you want.

 

You should also go to the port of call section of Cruise Critic and see which tour operators get the best ratings. I'm sorry I can't be of more help here. We've only gone to Cozumel once. My husband went to the Mayan ruins in Belize, but I have not gone. We are going to them in Costa Playa (I think that is where we are docking next month!).

 

Just one final thought... since you've been to Key West before, I would actually suggest that you bite the bullet and look for a seven day cruise. Part of the fun of a cruise is going to places you've never been. Since it is a five day, and you are really only going to spend eight hours in a new place, you wouldn't get the best experience, IMO.

 

Just a thought.

 

Your so right! I hate the "large" group tours provided by travel companies. It sounds like it would be really fun meeting up with fellow cruises and splitting transportation costs to get somewhere. Thank you very much for that suggestion :)

 

Were pretty well versed booking excursions at discounted rates where a travel company/cruise line does not have their commission tacked on. I plan on jumping over to the trip advisor forums for excursion reviews. Usually you can get the actual tour outfits name that provides the excursion. Then looking up their website the trips always are significantly less.

 

I'd really love to do a 7 night trip. There was one on Carnival (Mexico, Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman).. at a great price.. then another $945 for drink packages. $315 just a waste as my wife don't drink so that stopped us booking that cruise cause I have no idea what the bill will come to pay per drink.

 

On Celebs line it's not possible this time for a 7 night cruise. They're rather pricey at around 4000$. It wouldn't be so much of an issue if we were just planning a cruise but we have a vacation home near Fort Lauderdale as well as relatives that reside in the area. Considering were down there from Feb 1st to mid March there is plenty of other things that money can go to. A 7 night will have to be for next time. Who knows we might like it so much that we will want to do a 10 or 14 night in the future :)

[WhansaMi]

Your so right! I hate the "large" group tours provided by travel companies. It sounds like it would be really fun meeting up with fellow cruises and splitting transportation costs to get somewhere. Thank you very much for that suggestion :)

 

Were pretty well versed booking excursions at discounted rates where a travel company/cruise line does not have their commission tacked on. I plan on jumping over to the trip advisor forums for excursion reviews. Usually you can get the actual tour outfits name that provides the excursion. Then looking up their website the trips always are significantly less.

 

I'd really love to do a 7 night trip. There was one on Carnival (Mexico, Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman).. at a great price.. then another $945 for drink packages. $315 just a waste as my wife don't drink so that stopped us booking that cruise cause I have no idea what the bill will come to pay per drink.

 

On Celebs line it's not possible this time for a 7 night cruise. They're rather pricey at around 4000$. It wouldn't be so much of an issue if we were just planning a cruise but we have a vacation home near Fort Lauderdale as well as relatives that reside in the area. Considering were down there from Feb 1st to mid March there is plenty of other things that money can go to. A 7 night will have to be for next time. Who knows we might like it so much that we will want to do a 10 or 14 night in the future :)

 

Well, just a thought about the drinks... you board sometime in the afternoon the first day. You are on the ship all day two days, but you are off the ship for eight waking hours on the other two days. The last day, you leave the ship early. So, basically, you have two full days, and three half days on the ship. I think someone posted the price of drinks earlier in the thread. You might want to work out exactly how much you'd have to drink to be over the price you pay for the package. Especially if you aren't a big drinker, you might find it isn't as much of a deal as you think.

[jb456]

Well, just a thought about the drinks... you board sometime in the afternoon the first day. You are on the ship all day two days, but you are off the ship for eight waking hours on the other two days. The last day, you leave the ship early. So, basically, you have two full days, and three half days on the ship. I think someone posted the price of drinks earlier in the thread. You might want to work out exactly how much you'd have to drink to be over the price you pay for the package. Especially if you aren't a big drinker, you might find it isn't as much of a deal as you think.

 

For the celebrity they're offering a promo... The drink packages are free. The terms were you have to book an oceanview or higher room and the standard rate.

 

If we opted for a discount (which would make us not eligible for the free drink pages) the only discount available was 70$ each as were in our 50s.

 

So it's either save 140$ and have no drink package or pay the standard room rate to get 2 drink packages, one non alcoholic package plus 40 min of internet. Paying the standard rate was a no brainer:D as the 140$ saved would not cover even 1 drink package.

 

It was the other lines (Carnival) that had a great 7 night cruise. I have no idea what pay per drink would come to on their ship which is scary. Not so much just alcohol but coffees, water, soda, etc. That will add up for 7 days times 3 people.. Then add liquor on top of that. Especially if Carnival is more of a party cruise my son will be out all hours.. Although he's paying his own way I'd hate to see him get a 1000$ bill after the cruise.

 

Here in Canada it's like cruise ship prices.. If you go downtown to the bar just a beer is 7 or 8$.. So were used to those prices and one can easily spend over 100$ in a night. Going by that I know for 7 nights with water, sodas, coffee etc, it will likely be close to 1000$

 

The problem I see is that it seems the "ship card" is just to easy to swipe and make you go over board so to speak... I'd prefer it much more paying cash per drink. Seems like you can have more of a control on budget by paying cash. Take a certain amount out each night and when it's gone its gone rather then swipe, swipe, swipe.

Edited January 21, 2014 by jb456

[Cruisin' Chick]

"I do have a question if you could help with... For the main dining room on any cruise (for NON formal nights) would similar cloths to golf attire work for me or will I be under dressed? Like beige pants and collared polo shirt?

 

I'd much rather wear jeans with a polo shirt. I presume that is not allowed?"

 

My hubby will usually wear slacks and a tropical shirt for smart casual dinners on our Princess cruises -- usually he'll wear jeans only during daytime or if we're eating in the buffet for dinner. I never took jeans on a Caribbean cruise as I find them too hot to wear (they're good for Alaska or for the first couple of days out of LA for west coast or Hawaiian cruises if you go between November and April).

 

As I have never been on a Celebrity cruise (my one time on one of their ships was for a tour), I looked on the Celebrity website (which I hope you will be pouring over between booking your cruise and packing for your cruise) and found this info about dressing for dinner:

"Smart Casual & Above" attire includes:

Ladies: Skirt or pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sweater or blouse. Gentlemen: Pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sports shirt or sweater. Shirts must have sleeves.

"Formal" attire includes:

Ladies: Cocktail dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit. Gentlemen: Tuxedo, suit, or dinner jacket with slacks. Only required in the Main Restaurant on formal evenings.

The dress code in Celebrity’s specialty restaurants, including Blu for AquaClass guests, is “Smart Casual & Above” for every night of the cruise, regardless of the evening dress code in the main restaurant.

Note that T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours but are acceptable for lunch. The appropriate dress code will be enforced at all restaurants. Additionally, you are asked to follow the "Smart Casual & Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. A casual dress code applies at all time onboard Celebrity Xpedition®.

[horsegal]

If you would still like to look into the 7 day on carnival, last year when I was on carnival, a beer was around $5 (12 oz) and a cocktail or frozen girly drink was between $6-$9. They also have a soda package for I think $5 or $6 a day. Of course juice in the morning, tea, water, lemonade, hot chocolate, and plain coffee is free. I do not know how much fancy coffee drinks would be as my DH and I do not drink coffee.

 

We have done 2 CCL and 1 RCL cruise. We do prefer CCL and did not find that they are the "party" ship they have a reputation for, we did a 7 and 8 night. The RCL was a short 5 night cruise and is was VERY short, not enough time at all and price wise was the same as the 8 night on CCL (inside on RCL and a balcony on CCL).

 

We found that on CCL there is always something going on, shows, comedy, adult type games (lots of fun even to just watch), bars, karaoke, and of course bingo and trivia games. During the days there was always quite places to lay in the sun(maybe not right by the loud pool area) and the ships we were on had the adult serenity area (21 and over) was always quite and relaxing and no extra charge to use it.

 

I have looked into celebrity but we really enjoy a longer cruise and just can not pay that much at this time.

 

If you do still want to consider CCL and have any questions feel free to ask! Either way enjoy your cruise!

[jb456]

"I do have a question if you could help with... For the main dining room on any cruise (for NON formal nights) would similar cloths to golf attire work for me or will I be under dressed? Like beige pants and collared polo shirt?

 

I'd much rather wear jeans with a polo shirt. I presume that is not allowed?"

 

My hubby will usually wear slacks and a tropical shirt for smart casual dinners on our Princess cruises -- usually he'll wear jeans only during daytime or if we're eating in the buffet for dinner. I never took jeans on a Caribbean cruise as I find them too hot to wear (they're good for Alaska or for the first couple of days out of LA for west coast or Hawaiian cruises if you go between November and April).

 

As I have never been on a Celebrity cruise (my one time on one of their ships was for a tour)' date=' I looked on the Celebrity website (which I hope you will be pouring over between booking your cruise and packing for your cruise) and found this info about dressing for dinner:

[b']"Smart Casual & Above" attire includes:[/b]

Ladies: Skirt or pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sweater or blouse. Gentlemen: Pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sports shirt or sweater. Shirts must have sleeves.

"Formal" attire includes:

Ladies: Cocktail dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit. Gentlemen: Tuxedo, suit, or dinner jacket with slacks. Only required in the Main Restaurant on formal evenings.

The dress code in Celebrity’s specialty restaurants, including Blu for AquaClass guests, is “Smart Casual & Above” for every night of the cruise, regardless of the evening dress code in the main restaurant.

Note that T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours but are acceptable for lunch. The appropriate dress code will be enforced at all restaurants. Additionally, you are asked to follow the "Smart Casual & Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. A casual dress code applies at all time onboard Celebrity Xpedition®.

 

Thank you Crusin Chick.... Yes been on and off the celeb site, making a word document with different rules, dress attires, etc. To ensure that we will have the appropriate attire.

 

Getting to be a bit of a sever overload now lol. So much info to know and since it's last minute not much time to digest everything.:p But I think the word document will help us out... will be like a checklist.

 

Have a great evening!

Edited January 21, 2014 by jb456

[jb456]

If you would still like to look into the 7 day on carnival, last year when I was on carnival, a beer was around $5 (12 oz) and a cocktail or frozen girly drink was between $6-$9. They also have a soda package for I think $5 or $6 a day. Of course juice in the morning, tea, water, lemonade, hot chocolate, and plain coffee is free. I do not know how much fancy coffee drinks would be as my DH and I do not drink coffee.

 

We have done 2 CCL and 1 RCL cruise. We do prefer CCL and did not find that they are the "party" ship they have a reputation for, we did a 7 and 8 night. The RCL was a short 5 night cruise and is was VERY short, not enough time at all and price wise was the same as the 8 night on CCL (inside on RCL and a balcony on CCL).

 

We found that on CCL there is always something going on, shows, comedy, adult type games (lots of fun even to just watch), bars, karaoke, and of course bingo and trivia games. During the days there was always quite places to lay in the sun(maybe not right by the loud pool area) and the ships we were on had the adult serenity area (21 and over) was always quite and relaxing and no extra charge to use it.

 

I have looked into celebrity but we really enjoy a longer cruise and just can not pay that much at this time.

 

If you do still want to consider CCL and have any questions feel free to ask! Either way enjoy your cruise!

 

Hi Horsegal,

 

Thank you for that information. 5$ a beer plus 15% gratuity right? I'm going to have to go through the pricing again and calculate a potential average it will cost in drinks.

 

The 7 night on CCL is a few hundred cheaper then the 5 night on celeb with port stops that are more appealing. I'm hoping my calculations for drinks will come near the Celeb price. Your info is very helpful going to have to look into the soda package you mentioned. 6$ a day seems well worth it. The alcohol package is not worth it cause they want me to pay for the wife as well (315$)

 

The alcohol package would bring the total cruise to about 700$ more then Celeb. So if I can figure out if the pay per drink will bring that down to a few hundred difference then it will be well worth the 7 night CCL cruise.

 

I really like both boats from what I read in reviews, pics, videos etc.

 

I think the main problem here is actually us.... I think were a bit silly to think about a last minute cruise, especially as newbies that have no friggin idea lol. We probably should have been doing this a few months ago but I guess it is what it is.:rolleyes:

Edited January 21, 2014 by jb456

[WhansaMi]

Hi Horsegal,

 

Thank you for that information. 5$ a beer plus 15% gratuity right? I'm going to have to go through the pricing again and calculate a potential average it will cost in drinks.

 

The 7 night on CCL is a few hundred cheaper then the 5 night on celeb with port stops that are more appealing. I'm hoping my calculations for drinks will come near the Celeb price. Your info is very helpful going to have to look into the soda package you mentioned. 6$ a day seems well worth it. The alcohol package is not worth it cause they want me to pay for the wife as well (315$)

 

The alcohol package would bring the total cruise to about 700$ more then Celeb. So if I can figure out if the pay per drink will bring that down to a few hundred difference then it will be well worth the 7 night CCL cruise.

 

I really like both boats from what I read in reviews, pics, videos etc.

 

I think the main problem here is actually us.... I think were a bit silly to think about a last minute cruise, especially as newbies that have no friggin idea lol. We probably should have been doing this a few months ago but I guess it is what it is.:rolleyes:

 

Earlier in the thread you mentioned that money wasn't the determining factor. I'd suggest to you that if you would really prefer the itinerary on the 7 night cruise, the difference of a couple of hundred shouldn't really matter. What matters more is that you maximize your chances of enjoying your vacation.

 

Just be careful not to be penny-wise and pound-foolish.