Where do I start?

[Swirl]

My significant other and I would love to try a cruise. But I have no idea where to start. We don’t have a lot of money at this point, so we would rather keep things economical, but at the same time, we want to have a good quality experience. So I guess I need to try to find a nice balance.

 

After that, I don’t know where to go or what to look for.

 

What kinds of things should we consider when looking at cruises? What cruises would you recommend (remember we can’t get too expensive)?

 

Thank you in advance!

[lisiamc]

A good place to start is at your local travel agent's office. He or she can talk to you about where you might want to go and when, and start you off with some brochures for various cruise lines and destinations. Some agents are cruise specialists, but even a non-specialist can help you explore what you would like. (No, I'm not a travel agent - but I have had some very good advice from TAs.)

 

Lisa

[Big Al B.]

A good idea is to have a budget in mind when you talk to a TA. Also decide what is the least type of cabin you would be happy with. Inside cabins offer the lowest prices, but at the expense of outside light which is a factor many people want to include. Also remember that while you can have a fine cruise spending only the cruise fare, there are other expenditures to keep in mind - tips (many lines add on automatically, not part of original payment), shore excursions, drinks (including sodas), casinos, souveniers, etc. These boards are an excellent source of information if you keep in mind that we all have our own thoughts, biases and favorites :).

[sunlover5]

Also, maybe start with a 4/5 night cruise instead of a longer one in case you don't like the cruising experience. We did a 4 night for our first cruise because we just weren't sure. Found out we loved them!!! The longer the better now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Also consider the different ports where to leave from. Not sure where you are from, but airfare can be a huge part also.

Good Luck!:)

[Seabee]

Get an inside cabin and look for specials. Check many of the "discount" web sites (some advertise right here), sign up for their email specials, but beware of their pricing. Sometime they aren't all inclusive (meaning they may not include all taxes, fees, etc). You didn't say where you live but transportaion to the ship can get to be as much as the cruise itself. If you can drive to the pier it will save money...but parking will run as high as $15/day. You can beat this by parking off site.

 

Once you are cruising, avoid ship sponsored excursions. Assuming you are going to do a Caribbean cruise, you can get to a nice beach by taxi and save tons of money...just make sure you can get back to the ship on time.

 

Alcohol on board ships is expensive. If you want a drink on board, be innovative...bar bills can mount up in a BIG hurry.

 

All in all, I think you will find cruising can be an economical way to vacation.

[dkjretired]

Do you want a formal dining attmosphere, freestyle dining or something in between. The formal may cost more money because you may need to purchase some new suits or dresses, etc. Also, with dining, not all ships have 24 hour dining areas while some do.

 

Also, if you can afford it try to get to your departing port a day early and stay in a hotel overnight. I do not know when you wish to go or where you are leaving from but getting there a day early is important in the winter leaving from a cold weather area. If this is not the case it is always good to get there a day early since it makes for a much more relaxing first day on the ship.

 

Generally, if flying, you are better off getting your own airfare as it usually is cheaper and you control how many stops and where. Transfers are not always necessary depending on the port. For example if leaving from Ft. Lauderdale, I would never thing of using cruise transfers.

[serene56]

I would think looking at airfare to see what the closest port is to you.

Find out how much air will cost you to get on a ship.

 

Stay away from Summer season/ Spring breaks and holiday sailings.

 

We are cruising on the Carnival Destiny going to St AThomas, Barbados, Aruba and Domica for under 500pp but we are also sailing during high peak hurrican season.. For us its woth the chance.

[Swirl]

Thank you for the feedback!

 

I haven’t had much time or money to travel in the past, so I am pretty green regarding travelling in general, let alone cruises. I really appreciate all the suggestions.

 

I am in the Canadian Prairies, so not really close to any ports.

 

Some other questions:

 

Someone mentioned hidden expenses such as tips, souvenirs, drinks etc. Approximately how much extra money does this add on to the trip? We are not big spenders generally, drink very lightly etc.. I am just trying to think in terms of budgetting. I am sure there is a wide range, but we are usually in the low range in general spending.

 

Are there any things you would have differently about your first cruise? Or things that you did do that you highly recommend (about the planning, trip, anything)?

[serene56]

Someone mentioned hidden expenses such as tips, souvenirs, drinks etc. Approximately how much extra money does this add on to the trip? We are not big spenders generally, drink very lightly etc.. I am just trying to think in terms of budgetting. I am sure there is a wide range, but we are usually in the low range in general spending.

 

Are there any things you would have differently about your first cruise? Or things that you did do that you highly recommend (about the planning, trip, anything)?

 

Like you stated-- it could be a wide range of things to consider for your cruise.

For us.. a couple who dont drink our sign and sail bills have been under 300.00

Tips are generally 10.00 per person per day which takes care of cabin steward who makes up your cabin twice a day. your waiter and asst waiter.

room service is free but should tip a buck or two depending on how much you order.

Sodas are NOT free...figure about 2.00 for a can. (depending on what cruiselines a soda card can be had for as much as 45.00 for a 7 day cruise) (and yes, that is per person.)

You can have free iced tea, lemonade and fruitpunch.

Formal photos could cost 20.00 each for an 8 x 10

unformal photos cost less then 10 bucks for a 4x 6 photo.

frozen drinks cost about 5-7 bucks. regular mixed drings cost 4-6 bucks.

Martinis/Cosmos could cost like 8 bucks.

 

Our biggest expense are shore trip excursions. depending on where you go could rake up some big bucks.

 

 

When we plan a cruise I like keeping my cruises at 1.000 per person for 7 days. this includes everything. Air/hotel for the night before. -- spending money on the ship and excursions. To date I have always stayed within that budget and have not went over.always came home with money (i think my princess cruise I will be way over budget though)

[mr green]

With air fair in mind Vancouver might be you best port, and a nice seven day Alaska cruise. If you belong to a branch of CAA, they can work wonders, advising you as what to do. The lowest prices are early spring, or late fall, [May and June are 'dry months']. You can get the odd good deal, but these are usually short notice. All the best, my wife is from Moose Jaw. john

[Fredr]

hello,

 

Recently I saw some repositioning cruises (where cruise lines move ships from one market to another) out of Vancouver BC and Seattle that were in the reasonable price range. By reasonable I mean $100 per person per day or less. Look at websites such as Vacations to Go, Expedia, Travel Zoo and get some idea of prices. ships and so on. Stay with the major or premium cruise lines because these lines will provide you with a nice cruise experience.

 

Hope that this helps,

 

Fred

[Andros]

I agree that a shorter cruise(4-7 days), repositioning, off season, and discount specials. I have a homepage with a link called "thinking about taking a cruise?" which will give you a good idea how to plan and book a cruise. This link for my webpage is in my signature. My first cruise was a 4 day to Nassau which was only about 300 bucks. Also, last year, we went to Europe and a 11 day cruise for about 1000.00 dollars which included our airfare, hotels and the cruise:eek: !!! Our 11 day cruise on Brilliance ended up costing less than the deposit(450.00) for a large ocean view cabin. So, you can find some great deals if you do a little research and planning. I myself spent a total of about 1300.00 for an 18 day trip of a lifetime!!! So, "Get Out There" and "Live Life to the Fullest"!!! If I can help in any other way, let me know.

Andros/Tony

[Happy ks]

If you have the expense of flying to a port, any port, I'd not bother with a shorter cruise. There are so many choices and so many ships, the best advise is to visit a travel agent. Or, spend hours here reading about the different cruise lines.

 

Just keep in mind that most of the people on a cruise ship are very nice. Most of the people on CC are very nice, too, but you do have the occasional one you must ignore :rolleyes: .

 

The options vary, since you can cruise almost anywhere in the world. There are specials going on all the time (unless it is typical vacation or holiday time), so keep an eye out for those. Some of the major cruise lines will advertise their own specials on their own web sites, so visit a few of those.

 

You can cruise for just the cruise fare and gratuity (plus travel expenses) if you are careful. Many people get caught up in the excitement of a cruise, the ship will announce all day long (some of them) specials, drinks, bingo etc... You really don't have to spend anything if you don't want to. You would be better off spending money on shore, to visit places you've never been than on "things".

 

There is so much more to say, but I've got to get the kids to school!

 

Have fun with your search!!!

[missyal]

This thread brought a smile to my face:D . This is what CC is/should be all about. Sharing ideas, experiences, and offering support. I'm so glad the OP felt comfortable enough to reach out and ask, and all of you were there in a blink. I'm proud of you all!

To the OP--try not to be overwhelmed. The above suggestions are all great. My first time, I decided to start with where I wanted to go, then I was able to figure out a budget, ships, etc. As any of us will tell you, planning can be as fun as the trip! Please keep us posted as your plans come together.

 

Missyal

[Genessa]

This thread brought a smile to my face:D . This is what CC is/should be all about. Sharing ideas, experiences, and offering support. I'm so glad the OP felt comfortable enough to reach out and ask, and all of you were there in a blink. I'm proud of you all!

To the OP--try not to be overwhelmed. The above suggestions are all great. My first time, I decided to start with where I wanted to go, then I was able to figure out a budget, ships, etc. As any of us will tell you, planning can be as fun as the trip! Please keep us posted as your plans come together.

 

Missyal

 

I think Missyal got it right...

decide where you want to go, first. To help you narrow it down, what comes to your mind when you think of cruising?

Is it lounging on deck, sitting in a hot tub while you look out at a glacier, standing on deck looking at the sea, getting off the ship at fabulous ports to (go shopping, go snorkeling, sit on a beautiful white sand beach, go to a museum)?

For instance, we often cruise with several other couples. Back in 2003, 6 of us went to Alaska on a cruise. For 4 of us, this was the cruise of a lifetime - absolutely wonderful, couldn't be beat. For one couple, they had a good time, were glad they went, but realized that they really wanted to go on cruises to get to sample fabulous beaches in different ports and lounge on board ship with frozen drinks, eat wonderful meals, catch a few shows, check out the ship's casino.

 

Enjoy! Planning is part of the fun!

[Texas_Diver]

My significant other and I took our first cruise 2 years ago. We are now addicted!! We have been on 2 more and have one booked for next Christmas.

 

What kind of cruise did you have in mind? Alaska? Carribean?

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic and cruising!!

A.

[cruisin_in_my_dreams]

I hear you about cruising on a budget. That's exactly what we are going to be doing on our very first cruise. Right now, we have $1,000 budgeted for "spending money". We don't drink, and we don't gamble. As of yet, we have not booked any excursions.

 

Do you have any clue where you would like to go? Do you have a clue what time of the year you would be able to cruise? All the previous posts are great suggestions. I'm only adding my inexperienced 2 cents.

 

patty

[motherchic]

I read all the replys and they are all great and just as stated- this is what CC is all about.

Keep reading and asking that helps allot.

FOr us we realized we loved all the TLC, great service and looking out at beautiful water. We like meeting allot of people but also enjoy a bit of a "more quiet, layed back " for that reason, we really like Celebrity. But that is just our preference.

We have had inside cabins and balconies. Of course I love a balcony but if i cant afford it ,I still rather cruise then inside then not go at all.

Last year we wanted to go on a vacation but couldnt afford much. Went thru *****.com and found a 7 day southern Caribbean cruise on the Constellation ( beautiful big ship ) for $500/person, inside cabin. We had 1 drink/ day. and pre chose our outings.The choices we made were all via recommendations from these boards. all were non- cruise sponsored and they were of less cost ( the negative that gets brought up by using non cruise excursions----if something happens and you are late the ship will leave---so always give yourself"extra time " )

Also once you pick a cruise- have a good packing list. You will find many on these boards. If you forget something you can buy it on the ship but it does get costly-eg, asprin, alka seltzer, film, camera batteries etc....

For me planning is 1/2 the pleasure. Happy sailing

Nadine

[ger_77]

Swirl: I'm from the "frozen tundra" also and have cruised a few times. We are totally land-locked and our airfare is usually what drives up the cost of cruising. If you've got air miles it can help considerably to book your flight that way. Be sure to get to your departure port a day early, that way you don't have to worry about missing the ship due to weather or flight delays.

 

The CC boards contain a wealth of information on everything from different ships to which hotels to book or stay away from. There are many ways to cruise on a budget - the best one is to book an inside cabin. Everybody is travelling on the same ship and will arrive at the port at the same time, and nobody knows if you're in an inside, outside, or balcony unless you tell them. The only difference is that the inside cabin is cheaper. ... and, you can sleep like a baby in them!

 

Let us know what you decide and where you're going!

 

Mr. Green: hi to you & the Mrs. from Saskatoon!

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

 

[bibb]

Swirl,

 

If you can get away in late November or early December, the prices are terrific and the weather in the Caribbean is still good. Kids are in school and airfares are generally good. Check out the cruises around December 1st.

[Fredr]

hello,

 

Here is another idea for your consideration (it may or may not work for you). There are excellent 7 to 10 day cruises to Mexico from Los Angeles and San Diego that may fit your budget (Celebrity, Princess, and HAL). And a cruise to Mexico does not require that you spend very much money on excursions or taxis as there is much that you can do that doesn't cost anything. I do not recommend the 3 and 4 day cruises from Los Angeles as these are strictly party cruises. I am not saying that you will not have a good time on these shorter cruises , just that these cruises have some very significant drawbacks and are not for everyone.

 

There are some very good airfares to the Los Angeles area and San Diego that make a cruise affordable (Southwest, Jetblue, Alaska, United).

 

Hope that this helps,

 

Fred