choosing a cruise...any advice appreciated

[surrocruiser]

I'm currently deciding between these cruises for May of 2007-

Carnival Victory-Eastern Caribbean

Carnival Valor- Western Caribbean

Princess Caribbean Princess- probably Eastern

Does anyone have any opinion as to which would be better for a honeymoon? (perks, upgrades, etc)

Any cabin recommendations would be greatly appreciated also. We will probably need a balcony but any other suggestions would be great also.

[kitty9]

It all depends on what YOU want from the cruise. And, I'm not sure what you mean by perks. Cruise lines don't give out "perks" unless you're a member of their frequent cruiser clubs or you're in one of their most expensive suites. If I may ask, what do you mean by perks? If you're looking for freebies, unless someone like your travel agent buys you something like champagne or flowers or gives you on board credit, freebies on a cruise just don't happen.

 

As for upgrades, those don't happen much anymore. Since cruises are going out full, upgrades aren't that available. If you want to risk it, you can book a guarantee category which means you don't get to choose your cabin and the cruise line assigns whatever is left over about 4 weeks before the cruise leaves. Sometimes, you can get an upgrade with a guarantee, but that's not always the case. And with guarantees, they can put you in one of the least desirable cabins, as long as it's in the category you paid for.

 

If you're younger, Carnival or RCCI might be the best choice. Princess has better food and service, but they also tend to attract a slightly older crowd. If you don't want tons of kids, stay away from Carnival and RCCI.

[lovn2liv]

Since you are sailing in May, then the ships won't be filled with tons of youngsters...have kids of my own, don't dislike children, but there is a huge difference with the "relaxation" part of the cruise in summer vs. a time when kids are not out of school.

 

Carnival is known for being a "young" crowd. Maybe more activities on lido deck by the pool. Activities that get you out of your lounger and doing the limbo, hairy chest contest, etc. Just more of a hopping partying atmosphere.

 

The best thing to do is look up member reviews on carnival ships and see what people talk about.

 

I've sailed Princess and HAL and NCL and will be sailing again this summer with my family on the new Princess Crown. Princesses reputation is known to be a lower-key atmosphere when compared to Carnival but not a geriatrics ward. Doesn't mean there isn't anything fun going on, it just maybe has a more mature crowd. They keep things going, and we had a great time on all of our cruises. I expect it to be packed along with lots of kids. I'm expecting it, and will love it.

 

I've cruised with a big group of friends, with my family, as well as with just my spouse. I loved all and planned the cruises for each situation. When it was just my husband, we really wanted to just enjoy hanging out with each other and enjoy the ship and locations. We got an aft cabin with a fabulous wrap around deck on HAL, and it was unbelievable.

 

So, my advice to you is search on this website and look up reviews for each of the cruise lines and read through passenger's experiences. Believe me, after a couple of hours, you'll have the answers.

 

I like a new or newer ship. I get very disappointed when a ship is beaten and warn. Even if they are clean, I still don't like seeing all of the wear and tear.

 

Anyway, good luck on your research. You have plenty of time to book, and have fun reading into other people's experiences.

 

Congrats on your engagement and marriage.

 

Colleen

[ELOrocks17]

Speaking as a travel agent that has booked hundreds of cruises, The answer depends on you. Carnival definately lives up to its name as the "fun ship". If you are looking for a relaxed party boat, the Carnival is a good choice. If however, you are looking for a more refined, less hectic cruise experience, then Princess would be a good choice. I sell alot more Princess than any other cruiseline.

[surrocruiser]

I prefer the more refined cruise, he prefers the more relaxed. We would both prefer ports where there are adventurous types of excursions offered. I'm thinking we are going to try Carnival b/c CB eastern and western have ports that I have been to at least once. Carnival has a few repeats but some new. I'm just worried about choosing a new line since it is for our honeymoon. I'm debating what type of cabin for a Carnival cruise. On our last cruise, we spent 90% of our time on the ship out on our balcony.

 

As far as perks, I didn't have anything particular in mind. Just wondering if there was anything at all. I doubt if I will book with a TA since I have had zero luck with them so "no perks" it is.

[montana200024]

I was on the Valor 2 years ago and loved itand the Carnival Liberty this year, ..the only thing I will tell you to watch out for is your cabin...do your homework...we were in cabin 6361 (both ships are the same)and it was just above the CASINO>.noisy, noisy, so do your homework and try to pick a floor that has nothing below or above...

 

THE NEW WATER SLIDES ARE AWESOME..WE HAD A BLAST ON THEM...

 

If you want to meet some good people ...go to Boards and find your cruiseship you are going on...we have met some wonderful friends there, and continute to cruise together..

 

.every year we try and pic something with at least one different stop...here's hoping all goes well...happy cruising..

[kitty9]

If you're looking for a more refined experience, have you considered Celebrity? Their M class ships are consistently ranked in the top 10 of all cruise ships for the past few years. They have wonderful food and service and a more refined atmosphere, without being stuffy. In Conde Nast Traveler's magazine, Celebrity's ships ranked 1 through 4, and the highest ranked Carnival ship was the Valor at number 32. The highest ranked Royal Caribbean ships were 5 and 6 while Princess' highest ranked ship was the Coral Princess at number 11. Some people don't put much stock into these rankings, but it can give you an idea on what's what in the industry.

[surrocruiser]

I don't believe Celebrity will have any ships sailing out of FLL or Miami in May.

As far as I can tell there aren't many options from these ports in May 2007.

[ebrener]

Rachel,

 

I would still look at RCCL. I think it may be the happy medium between what you're looking for and what your fiance wants. Feel free to email any questions...

 

 

Regards,

 

Enrique

*****

[wrp96]

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity haven't released their schedules yet for May 2007. They will be opening up for bookings within the next month. I would take a look at them as well.

[Andy99]

I would go Royal Caribbean.

My Wife and I went Royal Caribbean for our honeymoon and Loved it.

My second choice would be Celebrity.

[packercruising]

Get all of the brochures, tack them up on a wall, throw a dart and have a great time on the lucky line that you hit! :)

[tkportersat]

I preferred Carnival over RC, but I am 34 /single / and like the party crowd. Princess and Carnival are the same company, so you may get an upgrade for being a previous cruiser. If you call the cruise number make sure you mention you are a past cruiser and give them the date. I did this for my cruise coming up in May 06. I paid for a guaranteed inside cabin and they upgraded me to an Oceanview. I also signed on at a promotional time and got $100 onboard credit.

 

Good Luck and Congratulations!

[shallwechat]

i have cruised carnival, ncl, princess, celebrity and rccl. to me they rate in this order, best first:

 

celebrity, rccl, princess, ncl and then carnival.

 

but to each his own!

 

i am sure you will have fun no matter which cruiseline you choose!