First Cruise Experience?

[TravelLover31]

I've never been on a cruise before and I don't know anyone who has to ask this question to, so I'm trying here. What would be a good cruise to pick for a first time cruiser that is also not to expensive? Two adults and one child.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[beachbum53]

I've never been on a cruise before and I don't know anyone who has to ask this question to, so I'm trying here. What would be a good cruise to pick for a first time cruiser that is also not to expensive? Two adults and one child.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

You'll get all kinds of suggestions and opinions on here. But your best bet would be to go and talk to a cruise specialist in your area. Hopefully, you can find an agent that's been on several different cruises, and on different cruise lines. He/she can answer all of your questions, and will try to match you up with a cruise that best suits your interests, as well as your budget.

[TravelLover31]

Thank you, I will look into that!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Cuizer2]

I've never been on a cruise before and I don't know anyone who has to ask this question to, so I'm trying here. What would be a good cruise to pick for a first time cruiser that is also not to expensive? Two adults and one child.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

What is the age of the child? What are your interests?

 

Without knowing more, I would suggest a get your feet wet type cruise, meaning a short cruise of three to five nights. You will not get the same experience as you would with a six to eight night cruise, but at least you'll see if this is something you might like to try again.

 

Inside cabins cost the least. However, you have to leave your cabin to see anything.

 

Ocean view cabins are the second least expensive. You can look out the window to see what is going on, however, you will have to leave the cabin to see what the weather is like.

 

Balcony cabins are more expensive than inside cabins and ocean view cabins. However, not only do you have a great view, but you also have some private outside space.

 

Suites are the most expensive. There is more room and additional perks that come with the suite.

 

Carnival and NCL are the least expensive cruise lines. Some people don't like Carnival's "Fun ship experience" but many do. I've been on eleven Carnival cruises and will go on more Carnival cruises in the future. NCL is a little more relaxed than Carnival (more relaxed dress code and no set meal times). Carnival offers both set meal times (which I prefer) and flexible meal times. I have three cruises with NCL totaling 32 nights. I enjoy NCL also, though I am not a fan of the flexible dining program called Freestyle.

 

Royal Caribbean in general is more expensive than Carnival and NCL. The passengers on Royal Caribbean are very similar to Carnival and NCL passengers. However, Royal Caribbean tries to be a little more upscale (with varying success). I've been on thirteen Royal Caribbean cruises and will book more in the future.

 

Disney is very expensive. Disney knows how to entertain children. I have not been on Disney, mainly because of the cost.

 

Talk to a travel agent and ask lots of questions. Ask why they are recommending the cruise that they are recommending. Ask what there own cruise experience is. Ask what professional organizations they belong to. Ask if they charge fees for cancellation and/or price reductions. Find one that you feel comfortable with. You want one that is interested in you and not your money.

 

Come back here and ask questions to verify anything you have questions about.

[TravelLover31]

This was very helpful, thank you! I feel like I have a much better idea of what I need to be looking into now.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[easyboy]

A reputable Travel Agent can give you varied options that may be tailored to your preference and capabilities.

[GUT2407]

Too many unknowns to even guess.

 

Like where are you from?

 

 

That'd be a start.

[broberts]

When consulting travel agents about cruising keep in mind that their direct experience may be far less than many on this board. Some will also have strong preferences. Preferences that are not necessarily based on anything more than perception.

 

I would suggest looking at 7 or 8 day cruises, if they fit your budget. Anything less is likely not going to give you time to adjust and get comfortable with shipboard life. If you live within driving distance of a cruise port start there.

 

Which cruise line would be best is really something all of us have to decide for our selves. While each is different, those I have sailed with offered fairly similar experiences. I would suggest picking the line that offers a cruise that appeals and best fits your budget.

 

For a first cruise I don't believe the itinerary makes much difference. When considering same length cruises offered by the same line, price is often indicative of popularity.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Ask friends and co-workers what travel agency they use -- we aren't allowed to make recommendations here. The larger agencies tend to have more experienced agents.

Don't go on a 3, 4 or 5 day cruise -- those cruises tend attract the party crowd.

You didn't give us much information - like when you want to cruise, where do you want to cruise, etc.

[MOcruiserman]

I found travel agents to be of limited usefulness regarding the cruise experience. Like the rest of us, travel agents have their particular likes and dislikes which may not be yours.

 

Based on my experience, cruises are very similar (except if you go the luxury route). First find the itinerary you want. Caribbean? New England? Europe? Alaska? Then see which cruise lines have ships that go where you want at prices you can afford.

 

If you want to save some money, book an inside cabin. Some people don't like inside cabins. But my wife and I are very happy with them - each to his own.

 

It's very important when you choose a cabin that you carefully examine the ship's deck plan. You don't want a cabin that's directly over or under or next to a public area as they may be very noisy.

[griffy116]

Our first cruise was many years ago and we're still cruising. We went on a cruise to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary, so it was adults of all ages and children. We chose a Caribbean cruise and back then, with no internet, we knew very little about the ports. I still love the Caribbean and we're taking another cruise in June. We've gone with inside, Oceanview and balcony cabins and all have advantages. The main advantage of having a balcony cabin, if it's just the 3 of you going, is that you can put your child to bed for the night and quietly slip out onto the balcony (with door slightly ajar to hear inside) and have a few quiet moments with a glass of wine, watching the ocean go by. The clear advantage to an inside is cost. You'll be eating the same food, seeing the same entertainment and same pool as those in a suite or balcony. If you think most of your time will be spent outside your cabin, an inside is an easy choice. We use a travel agent because we get a few perks from him and the cost is the same. The cruise line pays a commission to the travel agent so it doesn't cost you anything. I don't know where you live or if you would have to fly to the port or would be able to drive. I would suggest you look to Carnival or Royal Caribbean. They are cheaper than Disney, both have great kid's programs if you decide you might want to use them and both are very family oriented. Do some research and have some answers before contacting a travel agent if this is your first cruise.

 

Look at the various cruises that offer (for example) cruises to the Caribbean. Check out which port city they leave from. Decide the time of the year you will be going. Cruise prices vary depending on the date of departure. For example, if you can only cruise during the summer months and want to cruise the Caribbean, this is PRIME season for them and rates are higher. We have to cruise during the summer because of school schedules. We know the price is higher, but we also know we love the weather and we avoid peak hurricane season. We also know the water temperatures will be warm and to our liking. Pretend you are booking a cruise online with a couple of cruise lines to get an idea of the cost, to be able to compare. Then go to the other cruise line and do the same. Print or write down the date(s) and then check airfare to the port city. Do the same thing with the airlines. Pretend you are booking and look at the prices to fly to the port. You'll want to fly to the port city the day before your ship departs. This ensures that weather does not interfere with you making the cruise. Even in summer months, there are weather systems that can cause flights to be cancelled. It also gives you time to get to the port city, relax and get ready to board the ship without being in a rush. Lots of hotels offer free shuttle from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the port. Some offer you the opportunity to park your car at the hotel while on the cruise (called a Park 'n Cruise rate) and will shuttle you to the port the next morning. Keep this in mind when trying to decide if you will drive or fly.

 

The cruise lines don't include the cost of gratuities in the cost of the cruise but these are taken out of your account (which you will secure with a credit card or cash at the pier check-in). These are about $13 per day, per person, including a child. Budget this in when you are planning.

 

I hope I've helped you with some of the issues you'll encounter, and that my suggestions aren't confusing,but even if you visit a travel agent, you'll need to have some information upfront. I know that planning a first cruise can feel overwhelming. We discovered, after many years of land-based vacations that a cruise is the ideal vacation for our family and love it. Hope it turns out great for your family too.

[cb at sea]

There is no "right or wrong" cruise! Where you cruise from and to might be based on your home location! If you're on the West Coast, flying to Florida to cruise the Caribbean might be too costly or too far!

 

I will never fly to a port for less than a week-long cruise...just to time-consuming, and expensive! And yes....if you have to fly, then fly in the day prior....you know how airlines are...last minute delays and cancellations can totally screw up your entire trip! Plus, having that 'buffer" allows any lost bags to make it back to you!

 

Carnival is generally less expensive than some of the other lines...and they are quite family friendly...as is RCI and NCL. Celebrity, Princess and HAL are more expensive...and are a bit more "laid back" than the others.

 

You should go to a travel agency, pick up brochures and speak with an agent about what you want out of your vacation. They can really help!

[anewcomer]

Whether you will plan it yourself or let others do it for you, a cruise vacation is only for you to discover, but then that's the beauty of cruise holidays, because they offer so much diversity and cover countless destinations. It really doesn't matter which part of the world you're heading to, I’m sure you'll always be able to count on the range of activities that chosen cruise ship itself offers.

[Pier290]

My experiences. ...

Carnival...cheap, rowdy, constantly loud and fun.

Norwegian...bad food, mediocre ship.

Princess...great food, lovely ship.

Celebrity....excellent food, outstanding service, gorgeous SUPER CLEAN ships...more expensive.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

[George C]

I would book something close to where you lived or at least something where cost is not high to get to port, I dislike Carnival and NCL but you will love your 1st cruise, get a inside room it is the cheapest. I would choose RCCL, if possible , do not look at the largest and newest ships since they cost more.

Edited January 27, 2017 by George C

[serene56]

My experiences. ...

Carnival...cheap, rowdy, constantly loud and fun.

Norwegian...bad food, mediocre ship.

Princess...great food, lovely ship.

Celebrity....excellent food, outstanding service, gorgeous SUPER CLEAN ships...more expensive.

 

in my carnival sailings I agree about cheap never ran into rowdy or loud

fun yes.

 

I found carnival and Royal to be about the same but Royal costs more

 

Disney is a premium line and will cost a premium penny

I can take three cruises for the price of one

 

I agree with above posters-- what port do you live close to because airfare can add to a cost of a cruise

[Mrs.Kearns]

Last year in May (around Memorial Day) Royal Caribbean had a good sale going on . It was full price for the first person , half off for the second and third, fourth Etc. was like 20% off .It was something like that . I do not remember if that was the exact numbers but I stumbled upon the deal by accident and that's how we booked our first cruise . It was $700 for two people . The deposit was also half off for each person so we had a down payment of $200. Now mind you , we didn't book a big fancy party ship so that played a good part of why it was so low . We didn't want a big ship party ship for our first cruise .

 

Point is , I don't know if they will have a similar deal again but If so I would check around May !!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Corby114]

I have been cruising since I got hooked way back in May 1983. I have cruised thirty plus times and enjoyed each voyage. I would recommend either Carnival or Royal Caribbean for a first timer. I enjoy either a Western or Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, or Miami. I was on Royal Caribbean's Allure Of The Seas in November 2016 and January 2017. The ship, food, entertainment, and staff are incredible. I have been researching rates for another cruise in September, October, or November 2017 and found a few decent bargains for selected weeks during that timeframe. The Oasis Of The Seas, Allure Of The Seas, and Harmony Of The Seas are wonderful ships for a first timer. They are the biggest ships in the world but you will never feel that they are crowded while onboard.

[sandyh85]

Miami and Fort Lauderdale are super close together. There are a million ships per weekend departing, it's often a good place to start when options seem too many.

 

Consider a balcony, depending on the age of your child. It may be nice to have a place to have a glass of wine after the kiddo has gone to bed (or naps) where you can watch the waves roll by.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[Cuizer2]

Miami and Fort Lauderdale are super close together. There are a million ships per weekend departing,

 

I don't think they have enough docking space for that many ships.

[CoW mAn]

My first cruise was a little 4-day trip out of Long Beach. I think 4 days is a good length for a first time as it's long enough to get a sense of it but not a huge commitment.