Analysis Paralysis!

[seomontreal]

Ack! I have not cruised before and have a spreadsheet a mile long of options... can someone help me figure out a way to whittle down the options? :-)

 

Here are my criteria:

• leave from any port in Florida
  
• Itineray is open; I have been researching Caribbean but really I just want sun and beaches :-)
  
• 7 days preferably
  
• I like the idea of 4 ports of call, not including Key West
  
• like the idea of a TRX class if it's $20 but not $60
  
• likely won't pay to use spa, upgraded restaurants, etc.
  
• We are mid 40's, no kids
  
• likely looking to book oceanview but I'd consider inside if the cruise was extra special
  
• Budget: would really like to keep it under $1300 Canadian (which is like $1USD these days LOL) - about $910 USD - cruise, taxes and gratuities
  

 

There are many cruises that fit this criteria. The RC line is spoken highly of but the review here talks alot about it being a mall and it not being easy to see the ocean - #fail for me. I want to soak up as much outdoors as I can all day!

 

Suggestions on how to whittle the list down? :-)

 

Thanks!

[beachbum53]

To make it a little easier, choose three or four different cruise lines (i.e., RCL, NCL, Princess, CCL), then choose an itinerary similar to each of the lines, such as an Eastern Caribbean 7 day cruise. Look at each ship's on board amenities. How many ports of call and how many "at sea" days each offers. Don't worry too much yet about excursions. You can do that later. Also, look at the cost for each cruise, especially for a specific category / cabin. Take whatever reviews you read with a grain of salt. Opinions, good or bad, are subjective. The amount of open space on the Lido deck will depend on the size of the ship. Keep in mind that, the larger the ship, the greater number of passengers on board to share that open space with. Above all else, trust your gut instinct and pick the one that really catches your interest.

[Lerin]

 

Here are my criteria:

• leave from any port in Florida
  
• Itineray is open; I have been researching Caribbean but really I just want sun and beaches :-)
  
• 7 days preferably
  
• Budget: would really like to keep it under $1300 Canadian (which is like $1USD these days LOL) - about $910 USD - cruise, taxes and gratuities
  

 

Your criteria is quite simple; focus on the 4 points above and pick whichever cruise you wish. They are all more alike than different really.

[diane.in.ny]

Keep in mind that the larger the ship, the chances of better pricing as the fixed costs are spread over more people.

 

If easy access to beaches are important to you, you might want to check the Port of Call section and read what other people write about the different islands and how easy (or not) it is to get to a beach. For instance, St. Thomas has some great beaches while not so Dominica (a volcanic island).

[beachbum53]

Keep in mind that the larger the ship, the chances of better pricing as the fixed costs are spread over more people.

 

If easy access to beaches are important to you, you might want to check the Port of Call section and read what other people write about the different islands and how easy (or not) it is to get to a beach. For instance, St. Thomas has some great beaches while not so Dominica (a volcanic island).

 

Not sure that I agree with you about better pricing on the larger ships. I've found that, in most cases, the larger the ship, the more on board amenities there are (rock climbing wall, ice skating rink,etc.), the higher the cost. Pricing tends to be based more on peak and off-peak periods. Summer cruises (June, July, August) tend to be higher priced than those during hurricane season.

Edited January 26, 2016 by beachbum53

[diane.in.ny]

Not sure that I agree with you about better pricing on the larger ships. I've found that, in most cases, the larger the ship, the more on board amenities there are (rock climbing wall, ice skating rink,etc.), the higher the cost. Pricing tends to be based more on peak and off-peak periods. Summer cruises (June, July, August) tend to be higher priced than those during hurricane season.

 

You are right, of course, when you reference 5K pax ships. I have never been on one and tend to not think about them. But my experience with 2K pax vs 800-900 is that, comparing similar accommodations, the larger ship tends to be a bit less expensive. But that's just my limited experience. :)

[spookwife]

 

There are many cruises that fit this criteria. The RC line is spoken highly of but the review here talks alot about it being a mall and it not being easy to see the ocean - #fail for me. I want to soak up as much outdoors as I can all day!

 

Suggestions on how to whittle the list down? :-)

 

Thanks!

 

here's the thing. ALL ships will have AMPLE sun worshipping space on board. you just have to be willing to step AWAY from poolside. you can go an entire cruise and not once set foot in the Promenade( the aforementioned 'mall') in a Royal ship except to get to the dining room or grab a tasty alcoholic beverage in the evening.

 

and if the weather is crap(it can get extremely windy on sea days) there are a butt ton of comfy chairs lining every window/glass wall on all the public decks. a few decks are covered and are mostly super quiet and lined with chairs to gaze out upon the view

[leaveitallbehind]

Ack! I have not cruised before and have a spreadsheet a mile long of options... can someone help me figure out a way to whittle down the options? :-)

 

Here are my criteria:

• leave from any port in Florida
  
• Itineray is open; I have been researching Caribbean but really I just want sun and beaches :-)
  
• 7 days preferably
  
• I like the idea of 4 ports of call, not including Key West
  
• like the idea of a TRX class if it's $20 but not $60
  
• likely won't pay to use spa, upgraded restaurants, etc.
  
• We are mid 40's, no kids
  
• likely looking to book oceanview but I'd consider inside if the cruise was extra special
  
• Budget: would really like to keep it under $1300 Canadian (which is like $1USD these days LOL) - about $910 USD - cruise, taxes and gratuities
  

 

There are many cruises that fit this criteria. The RC line is spoken highly of but the review here talks alot about it being a mall and it not being easy to see the ocean - #fail for me. I want to soak up as much outdoors as I can all day!

 

Suggestions on how to whittle the list down? :-)

 

Thanks!

 

Not sure what TRX class is.

 

#not true

 

As others have said your criteria describes most Caribbean cruises and I think you would be fine with any of the major lines; RCI, Celebrity, Princess, NCL, Carnival.

 

Just don't overthink it. Use a cruise specialist travel agent to help guide your preferences and go from there.

[Cuizer2]

Ack! I have not cruised before and have a spreadsheet a mile long of options... can someone help me figure out a way to whittle down the options? :-)

 

Here are my criteria:

• leave from any port in Florida
  
• Itineray is open; I have been researching Caribbean but really I just want sun and beaches :-)
  
• 7 days preferably
  
• I like the idea of 4 ports of call, not including Key West
  
• like the idea of a TRX class if it's $20 but not $60
  
• likely won't pay to use spa, upgraded restaurants, etc.
  
• We are mid 40's, no kids
  
• likely looking to book oceanview but I'd consider inside if the cruise was extra special
  
• Budget: would really like to keep it under $1300 Canadian (which is like $1USD these days LOL) - about $910 USD - cruise, taxes and gratuities
  

 

There are many cruises that fit this criteria. The RC line is spoken highly of but the review here talks alot about it being a mall and it not being easy to see the ocean - #fail for me. I want to soak up as much outdoors as I can all day!

 

Suggestions on how to whittle the list down? :-)

 

Thanks!

 

If you don't want too many kids, don't go with Disney, Carnival, NCL or Royal Caribbean. To stay within your budget, look at Celebrity, Princess or HAL (Holland America Line).

[cb at sea]

For your 1st cruise, pretty much any line will do...close your eyes, spin around, and pick one! The Caribbean ports are all very nice...I'd avoid Bahamas, as they aren't "Caribbean" at all. A guidebook will help you to get the most from your shore days!

Edited January 26, 2016 by cb at sea

[MOcruiserman]

If you don't like the "shopping mall" atmosphere, avoid the ships with 3,000 plus passengers. But get as new a ship as possible. Holland America and Celebrity have some lovely mid-sized ships that cruise the Caribbean.

[t_car]

Hi seomontreal,

 

Every response you have gotten so far is mostly from the US, so here is your first one from a canadian, eh!

 

I am assuming you are from Montreal. From your post, I gather that cost of flights is not included in your criteria. And that alone can be a hefty sum. I know.

 

Pretty well any of the mainstream cruise lines will fit you criteria quite nicely.

 

I would research into what ports you want to go to, then use a site such as cruisetimetables.com to see which ships go there and when.

 

Also choose your time of travel. That alone will affect the cruise price the most.

 

I would also advise to fly into your embarkation port a day early if you can.

You never know with weather and flight delays. You may want to include hotel and other transportation costs in your budget.

 

Since you say this is your first cruise, you will have fun on any one of them. You really have nothing to compare it too.

 

I am not mentioning any Travel agents here, because we are not allowed to, but you may want to look into MSC cruises. They have the Divina sailing out of Miami on 7 night cruises, 3 port of call (most are 3). They are having a 2 for 1 balcony sale, and a relative bargain, especially with our loonie's exchange with the US dollar. Cruise, taxes and gratuities ended up being $1000 CDN per person. Gives us a little extra to do some excursions, and maybe a special dinner on board.

 

Whichever cruise you choose, I'm sure you will have a blast. Be careful though. Cruising is very addictive. :D

[marshhawk]

check to see if the Carnival Pride is going out of tampa.

 

4 ports

great beach locations

grand cayman seven mile beach

 

mahogany bay-just walk off the ship, great snorkeling

 

Cozumel- go to el cid, get a day pass, great snorkeling, pool, hot tub and in walking distance from port-includes 10 food credit.

 

Belize- different, do an excursion by going to one of the outer islands-there are no beaches on the mainland near belize city. 4 ports, great beaches, and very low costs on excursions-cause you really only need to book one.

 

Good luck!

[donaldsc]

Simple solution. Put each potential cruise on a piece of paper and put them in a jar. Pull out one piece of paper and book the cruise. Your chance of picking a good one is about the same as what you are going through and is a lot easier. Also, once you pick, do not even think about reconsidering.

 

DON

[Cruisin' Chick]

Not sure that I agree with you about better pricing on the larger ships. I've found that, in most cases, the larger the ship, the more on board amenities there are (rock climbing wall, ice skating rink,etc.), the higher the cost. Pricing tends to be based more on peak and off-peak periods. Summer cruises (June, July, August) tend to be higher priced than those during hurricane season.

 

Hurricane season starts by June.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Not sure what TRX class is.

 

#not true

 

As others have said your criteria describes most Caribbean cruises and I think you would be fine with any of the major lines; RCI, Celebrity, Princess, NCL, Carnival.

 

Just don't overthink it. Use a cruise specialist travel agent to help guide your preferences and go from there.

 

I have never heard of "TRX" I certainly agree about going in to see a cruise specialist Have your list with you as well as an idea of budget and times of year if you've narrowed that down.

[MCC retired]

A Good TA Cruise Specialist , in person or online , will ask the right questions to qualify you to narrow your choices and guide you to the best value .

Costs you nothing and should be a better deal than booking direct .Just be sure to interview TA as to any change/cancel fees

they may charge .

[katmu]

I've only cruised once before but I too have been looking for cruises with a good assortment of fitness classes. I've yet to find one, that I can confirm for sure will offer TRX without hiring a personal trainer.

 

For those not familiar with TRX, it's suspension training using straps. It can be much harder than it looks.

[TruckerDave]

[quote name=beachbum53;48884053Pricing tends to be based more on peak and off-peak periods. Summer cruises (June' date=' July, August) tend to be higher priced than those during hurricane season.

 

 

June, July and August are during hurricane season. It starts June 1 and runs till Nov 1. The "peak" (of hurricane season) is around September.

[Cuizer2]

June, July and August are during hurricane season. It starts June 1 and runs till Nov 1. The "peak" (of hurricane season) is around September.

 

Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30.

Edited February 2, 2016 by Cuizer2

[TruckerDave]

Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30.

 

You're right, my bad. I should have used both hands to count the 6 months instead of only 1. :D

[maggie0057]

We are also from Canada and have booked our first cruise ever on the Carnival Magic in February 2017. I know the Canadian dollar is really low compared to the US right now but we are not going to let that spoil our dream vacation. It's really about personal preference and what that dream means to you. I will be 60 in August 2017 my hubby will be 68 and this may be our only cruise so we did book a balcony room but don't plan to spend a lot of money on excursions.

[Cuizer2]

We are also from Canada and have booked our first cruise ever on the Carnival Magic in February 2017. I know the Canadian dollar is really low compared to the US right now but we are not going to let that spoil our dream vacation. It's really about personal preference and what that dream means to you. I will be 60 in August 2017 my hubby will be 68 and this may be our only cruise so we did book a balcony room but don't plan to spend a lot of money on excursions.

 

Do you know that Carnival also has a ship named Dream?

[maggie0057]

I checked out most of their ships the decision was made based on the departure port and the ports of call. Low Canadian dollar or not we plan to spend a few days in Disney World prior to the cruise. We figured that since we are paying for flights from British Columbia to Florida we might as well go for it.

[runawaysoul]

Mid 40's, no kids at $900 ish. I'd suggest RC. From there, I'd to go their website and check out all of the Caribbean ports of call and see excursions you like, or google pictures and see what speaks to you. If beaches are your thing, I'd suggest an itinerary to St John (or St Thomas, as you can ferry to St John). It's regularly voted top 10 beaches in the world for a reason!