We need suggestions!

[!MSteacher]

We just returned from yet another great Disney cruise! Our daughter (12 years old) loves the activities on a Disney Cruise and we love the adult only areas! However, My husband and I have already started thinking about a cruise for JUST US next February (2017) to celebrate our anniversary. So here is my question: What cruise line & ship would be best for a couple? We've had enough of Mickey (albeit PERFECT for a family), we are now looking for a relaxing "grown-up" cruise vacation! We can only take it in February and no more than 7 days. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

[bigsky]

We've done Disney as well with the kids. I don't think you can go wrong with Royal Caribbean. We've done Disney, Princess, Carnival, and Royal. RC being our favorite. Not sure what you're looking for in a ship though. RC has many classes to pick from. Our favorite now is the larger ships (mega) Lots to do. I like the choice of lots to do, or just lay and do nothing.

[Keith1010]

Welcome to Cruise Critic and congratulations on your anniversary.

 

It's hard to recommend cruise lines when we don't know you.

 

What I like you might not like.

 

I highly recommend seeking out a Travel Agent. We can't make recommendations here.

 

Ask friends who cruise if they have a recommendation.

 

Then speak with the TA. Share what you like and your preferences and let the TA come up with recommendations.

 

As I always say if we all had the same preferences there would be far less cruise lines then sail today.

 

Keith

[Clarea]

We just returned from yet another great Disney cruise! Our daughter (12 years old) loves the activities on a Disney Cruise and we love the adult only areas! However, My husband and I have already started thinking about a cruise for JUST US next February (2017) to celebrate our anniversary. So here is my question: What cruise line & ship would be best for a couple? We've had enough of Mickey (albeit PERFECT for a family), we are now looking for a relaxing "grown-up" cruise vacation! We can only take it in February and no more than 7 days. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the major cruise lines. I'd narrow it down to what port you would like to cruise from and what itineraries you might be interested it. That might cut it down to just a few cruise line choices.

[Keith1010]

Let me give you one more suggestion which has served me very well.

 

There is a wonderful book available on cruising.

 

I think the best of all cruise books.

 

It give nice write up on the cruise lines and also on most every ship.

 

I get an update every few years.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Berlitz-Cruising-Cruise-Ships-Guide-ebook/dp/B0161T9KAO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456687700&sr=8-1&keywords=Cruising+Douglas+Ward

 

Good luck with all of this and again congratulations on celebrating your anniversary on a cruise.

 

Keith

[jbuch02]

Travel agent (TA)? I'm not sure anymore. Years ago, I would have recommended that approach. Now, and in my opinion, too many of them have interests and motivations that may not coincide with the ones you articulate to them.

 

My view is that if you share your cruising interests and priorities here, you'll get a ton of good advice from some experienced cruisers who will be glad to steer you in the right direction.

[Keith1010]

Travel agent (TA)? I'm not sure anymore. Years ago, I would have recommended that approach. Now, and in my opinion, too many of them have interests and motivations that may not coincide with the ones you articulate to them.

 

My view is that if you share your cruising interests and priorities here, you'll get a ton of good advice from some experienced cruisers who will be glad to steer you in the right direction.

 

I understand what you are saying but my experience is that a strong agent can really do a lot of good for their client. The key is a strong agent.

 

Just like Lawyer, Realtors, and most any professional there are outstanding, average and weak agents.

 

In addition to providing amenities that you can't get through a cruise line the best agents do much more.

 

For example, they can cut through the red tape, know how to get complex questions answered that can't always be answered here, and can be your advocate should something go wrong with the cruise line. On top of that some can save you money from hotels (yes even hotels) to figuring out how you can best use loyalty programs (I know some are straight forward but not the case on certain lines) to helping people avoid mistakes.

 

And most importantly strong agents who know what they are doing, who get to know you the client can really make much better matches when it comes to cruise lines and even ships that make sense for the particular cruise you are considering.

 

While CC has lots of good information if you know absolutely nothing about the person you are not doing them a favor recommending cruise lines that might not work for them.

 

A cruise can be a major investment of time and money.

 

Well like all things we all come at this differently.

 

To me a strong agent makes a big difference.

 

Keith

Edited February 28, 2016 by Keith1010

[janetz]

Also, try to stay away from Feb school vacation week. ;)

[jmf123]

As you are seeking a "relaxing, grown-up cruise vacation" and 'JUST US', I would recommend looking at Celebrity. The Reflection offers a 7 nt. Eastern Caribbean itinerary on 2/4 and 2/18 in 2017. Sails r.t. from Miami with a day at sea, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and two more days at sea. There is currently a special where verandas are only $100 more than Oceanview staterooms. I feel that Celebrity is a good value, considered a premium product, and noted for fine service and cuisine. It is less child-focused than other main stream lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL. Sounds like a wonderful anniversary trip! ;)

[OCruisers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :D

 

Princess could be a very good fit for you! :)

There are some 6 day Westerns on Caribbean Princess in February going to Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

 

Another to consider would be Celebrity.

There are very few children on either Princess or Celebrity in February.

 

Agree on Travel Agents -- a good one is extremely helpful!

 

LuLu

[jbuch02]

Kieth1010 ......... Don't disagree with anything you posted wrt to my post. TAs can be very useful when you find a good one. That's the problem. Finding a good one. I think that is particularly hard for someone just starting out.

 

My perspective might be unusual. I do my own taxes because no one can do them better than I can. That may or may not be true but it's how I see things 🤓

[sail7seas]

The most obvious choices would be HAL, Princess or Celebrity IMO

 

Maybe NCL?

 

You haven't told us much of what you want.

Do you want to tour, sit on the beach, more sea days, great shows..... or don't care about shows etc

 

[sail7seas]

Kieth1010 ......... Don't disagree with anything you posted wrt to my post. TAs can be very useful when you find a good one. That's the problem. Finding a good one. I think that is particularly hard for someone just starting out.

 

My perspective might be unusual. I do my own taxes because no one can do them better than I can. That may or may not be true but it's how I see things

 

Sometimes we have to factor how complicated the tax return or the cruise booking.

 

If a couple knows what ship they want, when they want to sail, no big deal. Call the cruise line or book on line. Easy.

 

If there is a family group or friends and maybe there are 20 people involved...... let a TA link all the bookings and make the arrangements.

 

If you have a simple tax return, no big deal.

If you run a business and have lots of deductions, there are reasons accountants go to school, take exams and get licensed to do that work for those who require their assistance.

 

 

JMO ....

[Keith1010]

Kieth1010 ......... Don't disagree with anything you posted wrt to my post. TAs can be very useful when you find a good one. That's the problem. Finding a good one. I think that is particularly hard for someone just starting out.

 

My perspective might be unusual. I do my own taxes because no one can do them better than I can. That may or may not be true but it's how I see things 🤓

 

I understand.It's not always easy.

 

I believe in interviewing several but as you say the first time can be challenging :)

 

I should be doing my own taxes but my brother is a tax lawyer. And a great one too. :)

 

I am sure you are terrific too and fully understand what you posted.

 

Happy Sunday.

 

Keith

[!MSteacher]

OK...so....WOW! I had no idea I would get so many responses. This was the first time I have used this forum...this is great!

These are the top things we are looking for in a "grown-up cruise"

1) Not a huge amount of kids on board (I am a teacher so I want some time away)

2) We have done the Western Caribbean 3 times on Disney. I have no desire to go back to Cozumel! Something Eastern Caribbean or Southern is preferred.

3) We want a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. Our days will be spent lounging and reading on the sundeck. NO LOUD RAP OR HIP HOP MUSIC! Experienced that on Carnival a few years ago...won't do that again!

4) We love fine dinning but rarely get to experience it. The few culinary presentations and workshops I was able to do on Disney were fun and interesting. I would love to do more of that.

5) We don't "party", so late night dancing or a club experience is not important.

6) As for a casino, we could take it or leave it.

 

Yep, we are pretty boring.

[gymbomb]

If you are looking for relaxing I would look at Princess. If you are looking for adventure/excitement I would look at Royal Caribbean or one of NCL's mega ships.

 

Edit: I just read your update. Princess and Celebrity sound like a good fit for you.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited February 28, 2016 by gymbomb

[GUT2407]

Not knowing you its hard.

 

But I'd suggest you have a look at Celebrity and Princess.

[jmf123]

!MSteacher, I'm sticking with the Celebrity Reflection as an option for you. There are a few onboard activities that may interest you. Celebrity has partnered with Top Chef to offer the Top Chef at Sea experience on most sailings. Also a Wine Crystal workshop, "chef-inspired" bartending, and a Food & Wine Paring workshop. If you book AquaClass, you will experience Blu, an exclusive restaurant for breakfast and dinner that many seem to enjoy. And the days at sea will be perfect for your planned lounging and reading on the sundeck. :cool:

Other lines to consider- Oceania has 7 nt. Western Caribbean at that time (but at probably twice the price of Celebrity). And as previously mentioned, Princess would be a good option. The Regal Princess (r.t. Ft. Lauderdale) offers Eastern Caribbean itineraries (one to St. Kitts, one to St. Maarten) in February 2017.

[bigsky]

Since you mentioned less kids, I can only speak for Princess. That line definitely didn't have many kids. Went on her twice and much different feel than Royal.

 

Actually, compared to our Disney cruise we took, the Oasis (mega royal ship) had the second most kids on the ship. We didn't mind since it's so large, they're scattered. Noticed it during the parade though.

[SPacificbound]

Based on what you have posted I suggest Celebrity. :)

[LHT28]

Budget??

 

Just remember when the teacher are out of school so are the kids

people like to take family cruises

 

If you could stretch to 10 days you could look at Oceania ...more adult oriented

They do have 2 X 7 day cruises in Feb

 

Just something to consider

[jbuch02]

These are the top things we are looking for in a "grown-up cruise"

1) Not a huge amount of kids on board (I am a teacher so I want some time away)

 

NCL, RCL and Carnival are probably not great options given that you are looking for "not a huge amount of kids on board." On the lines I mention there will be kids on board, lots of them, when they are not in school.

 

One side note: Carnival has a deck area for adults only (Serenity). All Carnival's ships with the Funship 2.0 upgrade have this I think. On Sunshine and all three of the Dream Class ships (Dream, Magic and Breeze) these areas are good sized, usually pretty empty/quiet and, while the pools are small, they're big enough to cool off in. In my view, Carnival, among the mass-market brands, has done the best job with their newer and upgraded ships in accommodating adults who want to be away from kids not hanging out with them.

 

2) We have done the Western Caribbean 3 times on Disney. I have no desire to go back to Cozumel! Something Eastern Caribbean or Southern is preferred.

 

I have a preference for the Southern Caribbean. You might consider Celebrity Summit that sails that itinerary out of San Juan, Porto Rico. If you are flying from northern climes its often not much more money to fly into SJU than MIA or FLL. Summit is an older M class ship in the Celebrity fleet with good pricing - and by older, I don't mean shabby or poor service in any way.

 

 

3) We want a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. Our days will be spent lounging and reading on the sundeck. NO LOUD RAP OR HIP HOP MUSIC!

 

There are clearly three lines that offer this maybe 4 if you count HAL but there is an older demographic on HAL that may not be a good fit for you: Princess, Celebrity and Oceana .... in that order from low priced to high. Ocean has 2 new ships in its fleet the 4 older ships are former Regent ships and they are still very "boaty" and by this I mean dark woods, the feel of a ship that you would imagine cruised the oceans in the 30s, pretty luxurious. All Oceana's ships are small compared to others, meaning less passengers and in the 1200 passenger range so, the service level is higher. Their two newest (and a third, Sirena, which I think launches this summer), Rivera and Marina are stunning ships. We've sailed Riviera on a European itinerary. Lovely ...... it's pricey compared to Celebrity but you have to really compare what you are getting from each of these lines to get a cost per day per passenger. When I do this for comparable Ocean View cabins you can find standard pricing (after considering the value of perks offered) at about $145-165 pp/d with Celebrity compared to $225 or so for Oceania. You have to decide if you want value or you want to splurge a little.

 

Oceana packages it's cruise fares with air and adds a bunch of other stuff, namely shore excursions which are horribly over-priced. Like Seaborn and Crystal, beverages, both wine and spirits, are included. I priced this just so you can see a relative comparison. When you do this yourself, you might find wildly different pricing. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples when you shop and price.

 

You will find a very worldly group of travelers on Oceana. Mostly retired, affluent, some still working but professionals. We found plenty of people to strike up a conversation with and really enjoyed this cruise for both the ship, the character within it and the demographic (we are both in our early 70s and retired). Dining on Oceana is unique. They have the standard buffet arrangement and main dining room (MDR). Alternatively, there are 4 additional restaurants and access to them depends on your booking level. We sailed in a Balcony and were able to dine at no charge in all four but only once. The rest of the time we dined in the MDR which was very good. You can sign up for cooking classes provided by one of the ship's head chefs that have 12 guests.

 

The food and service throughout Riviera was a little better than Celebrity with Celebrity having moved it's truly upscale dining to it's specialty restaurants and levying a substantial upcharge to dine there. We usually treat ourselves only once, maybe twice depending on what's left in our On Board Credit (OBC) account aboard Celebrity (part of the perks package from Celebrity or whatever your travel agent handling your booking might give you.

 

We have found great value in Celebrity booking OV cabins and we've tried them all from Sky Suite to Inside. This is the first level you are offered the Good, Better, Best options as part of your cruise package. I'd recommend you take a look at their web site to see how this plays. I don't think the benefit to booking Concierge class on Celebrity is worth it, nor is Aqua Class though you get access to Blu, a private dining room just for Aqua guests, but many like this level of exclusivity.

 

We've not cruised Princess so, I'll leave commenting on that line to others that have.

 

4) We love fine dinning but rarely get to experience it. The few culinary presentations and workshops I was able to do on Disney were fun and interesting. I would love to do more of that.

 

Celebrity offers it to one extent in the MDR to a greater extent in the specialty restaurants. Food quality is very good in the MDR. If you find the right waiter and assistant waiter in the MDR, so is service. To that end, I prefer Traditional rather than Select Dining so that you can get to know them and they can get to know you/ Others may have different views on this subject. Celebrity has added excursions, I think reasonably priced, that have you join a small group to go shopping in a local market with one of the ship's head chefs. The land tour will include some wine or cheese or small plates of local foods. Then, back on the ship, you and your partners on this will enjoy a private dining experience using the foods purchased locally. These are new and we've not tried one yet. We will though.

 

If you find summit out of SJPR to be appealing to you, try the Normandy. It is absolutely one of our favorites. Food and service is 5 Star all around and of course you'll pay an upcharge for it that I believe has risen to at least $50 maybe as high as $75pp. Here's an interesting video link about the Original French liner, Normandy and how the Normandy Specialty restaurant aboard Summit came to be (if the link doesn't work just Google Normandy Restaurant aboard Celebrity Summit).

 

 

5) We don't "party", so late night dancing or a club experience is not important.

 

You'll fit right in aboard Celebrity and even if you get the urge to dance late, that's available too.

 

One final comment. Evening entertainment aboard Celebrity consists of various individual performers from Magicians to Comics with soloists as well. there are two shows each evening at 7p and 9p. Very high quality. We are Broadway fans and love production shows. There will be two maybe three on a 7d cruise. We love the singers and dancers and if you like this kind of thing, you will too. Oh, and if you haven't figured it out we love Celebrity. Hope others will chime in about Princess as an alternative to the sophisticated cruise you are looking for along with fine dining opportunities.

Edited February 29, 2016 by jbuch02

[jbuch02]

BTW, I love to write about cruising and help others to learn about it.

 

Please feel free to send me an email at the address below if you would like more specific recommendations about Caribbean Ports, making on line bookings with groups or agents that we can't post here, our experience with any of the Celebrity ships, and we've been on all of them multiple times except reflection, or Oceana Riviera.

 

jbuch002@gmail.com

[Robinsoncruiseso]

I would recommend considering Princess. We are just off the Regal and she is a beautiful ship. DH and I are still in the "full time job" age category and do not feel out of place on any Princess cruise. We are not sun worshipers, but could always find a lounger as long as it did not have to be poolside. We enjoy daytime activities such as trivia and other games. There is almost always something going on in the Piaza, so you can participate or just people watch.

Balconies are smaller, but we had a giant balcony on the very front of the ship. Even almost fell asleep out there one day while at sea. We enjoyed some of our most "unscheduled" days of any cruise on this ship.

[LHT28]

There are clearly three lines that offer this maybe 4 if you count HAL but there is an older demographic on HAL that may not be a good fit for you: Princess, Celebrity and Oceana .. It is OCEANIA

Oceana is a ship with P & O line

 

.. in that order from low priced to high. Ocean has 2 new ships in its fleet the 4 older ships are former Regent ships They were never Regent ships

and they are still very "boaty" and by this I mean dark woods, the feel of a ship that you would imagine cruised the oceans in the 30s, pretty luxurious. All Oceana's ships are small compared to others, meaning less passengers and in the 1200 passenger range so, the service level is higher. Their two newest (and a third, Sirena, which I think launches this summer) actually April formally the Ocean Princess, one of the 8 Renaissance ships

Oceania will now have 4 after Sirena is launched

 

 

If you are going to promote a cruise line please at least get the facts right :D

Edited February 29, 2016 by LHT28