Haven't cruised in 10 years, planning a trip now - advice perhaps?

[tbonecopper]

Hi there! I'm new here, found the site via some of the videos on youtube, which are very helpful!

 

I'm in the process of planning a cruise, hopefully for March or April, this year. Yes, I know it's "last minute", but we're hoping to score a decent-to-good deal on a 7-10 night cruise from Port Canaveral, Ft Lauderdale, or Miami. I have one rule: I will not sail Carnival. My first cruise, in 2004 was a very bad experience on one of their ships and I just refuse to sail with them again. Also, I'm not fond of Royal Caribbean, and they seem to be more expensive in many ways than Celebrity or Princess.

 

My partner has never sailed before, so this will be new for him, hah.

 

I've spent the last week or two researching the cruise lines, their ships, amenities, watching videos, reading reviews, and honestly I'm in overload mode. I'm not sure if I can post pictures, but I put together a spreadsheet of cruises I'm watching on one of the travel sites for last minute purchases, to track their price movements.

 

We won't be purchasing until late February, probably. Depends on when I get my tax return. I'm trying not to tap into savings as we have another vacation planned for later this year in September/October, and I don't want to rely on credit cards for everything on this.... that's really why we're waiting to buy.

 

My main concern is getting value for my money. I'm not a cheapskate by any means, but I'm pretty thrifty. I shoestringed a Vegas trip last April for a week, 5 star hotel accommodations, flights, rental car, and food for under $1800 bucks, which I thought was a pretty good deal.

 

Perhaps some of you have some advice, or tips? I'm trying to find a ship that works for us, or a line, really, with good amenities, good food quality, and not a slew of restaurants that are extra fee. That seems to be the thing these days. They give you a buffet, but nickle and dime you to death on other food types.

 

I really like the Princess cruise itinerary on Regal Princess, but I'm also worried we'll be the youngest people there. I'm 29, he's 31. (Yes, I know Princess is owned by Carnival).

 

As you can see, this is a mess. I apologize it ran so long! Anyone have any thoughts? :) If you need me to clarify something, please ask!

[Koshlong]

The main suggestion I'd make is not to expect any cruise to be the same as 10 years ago. Regal Princess is a big new ship, so it's demographics may be a bit younger than Princess's average.

 

You might want to visit boards for Princess and any other lines you're interested in. Ask some basic questions and you'll get a feel for the type of passenger for each line.

 

You could also visit the Roll Calls for any trips that interest you, and see what people are talking about.

[paul929207]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

You may also want to talk to a Travel Agent specializing in cruises. Princess allows a TA discount the price. Most other lines do not

[lifes-a-beach]

don't expect any line or ship to be everything you want. of all of the advice I can give you the most important is to leave unrealistic expectations at home. there is good and bad on any vacation. the worst food I ever had on a cruise ship was still OK and better than the same meal back home.

 

as for getting the best deal, we do pretty much what you are doing. we have cruised enough now to know what is a good deal and what is a great deal. for instance, I booked 7 nights on one of our favorite ships over Thanksgiving. the price today is $400.00 pp more. we saw the deal and knew it was THAT good and booked it immediately.

 

good luck and welcome to cruise critic!

Edited January 4, 2015 by lifes-a-beach

[OCruisers]

No worries, there'll be others in your age group on Regal Princess. :)

LuLu

[cb at sea]

After 10 years,, you will find that cruising isn't exactly how you probably remember it....not quite as "grand" as it once was. So, don't go telling your partner how glorious it was....because your description will fall short of reality! Just a warning!

 

 

You will never the the "youngest" onboard.....so never mind about the supposed ages!!!

Edited January 4, 2015 by cb at sea

[luddite]

Cruise Critic is a very good research tool.

Spend some time browsing here.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Oceania - premium line with the best food. The right TA will get the price close to HAL, Princess, or Celebrity. It with far better everything (except perhaps live shows with Broadway wannabes).

 

 

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[Cruisin' Chick]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

You may also want to talk to a Travel Agent specializing in cruises. Princess allows a TA discount the price. Most other lines do not

 

That's what I suggest too. A cruise specialist will hopefully give you some good advice.

 

One thing to be aware of is that college spring break falls between late February and late April (the schools try to stagger so that not all of them are taking off at the same time). Cruises to popular warm weather areas like the Caribbean will be especially popular. So demand will be up which means it'll be harder to find last minute cruises that aren't sold out, and the prices will tend to be up.

[tbonecopper]

Thanks for the advice everyone, and sorry it took so long to write back. Crazy weekend!

 

We booked March 15th on the Regal Princes from Ft Lauderdale! Very excited!

 

Now to research alternative to excursions in St Martin (french side) and the US Virgin Islands. Woo!