Which cruiseline to pick?

[KMyHero]

I and about four of my friends (aged 19-20) want to go on a cruise this summer. I'm well aware of the age restrictions and need for a chaperone. We'll be able to bring one of our friend's parents. I wanted to know which cruise we should pick.

 

Here are the guidelines:

Price should be fairly moderate

Clubs/Casinos are where we'd primarily be located.

Location doesn't matter much, but we'd like to not have to spend a lot on airfare to get to our port city.

A cruise lasting about 6-8 days.

We'll be taking the cruise in either June/July '06

We're located in Los Angeles, if that helps.

 

Any suggestions/questions?

[wrp96]

Just remember that you will need a chaperone actually in the rooms with you. And the maximum is 4 to a room.

 

I would recommend Royal Caribbean or Carnival for you. No airfare and in summer out of California are going to limit your choices to 3 and 4 night cruises. RCCL Monarch of the Seas and Carnival Paradise are the only ships that sail year round out of Los Angeles (actually San Pedro and Long Beach respectively). Paradise will have bigger rooms but Monarch will be just as a great a time. 18 year olds can drink beer and wine with parental permission on Royal Caribbean. Drinking age is 21 on Carnival ships.

 

If you want a longer cruise, then I would look at the cruises out of Galveston on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Many of the same comparisons, just longer cruises.

[KMyHero]

Just remember that you will need a chaperone actually in the rooms with you. And the maximum is 4 to a room.

 

If you want a longer cruise, then I would look at the cruises out of Galveston on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Many of the same comparisons, just longer cruises.

I believe I read somewhere that the chaperone can be in the adjacent room with RCCL but have to be IN the room for Carnival, is this correct?

 

I was looking at Galveston, that might be up our alley since we can get cheaper airfare on Southwest flying to Texas. Thanks.

[wrp96]

I am not certain about the being in adjacent rooms, but even if it is true especially if you are booking for this summer you may have troubles getting adjacent rooms. One thing most people I've heard do is book on adult in each room and then switch rooms around once you get on the ship.

[Seal]

Carnival has 7 day--Mexican Riviera trips out of Long Beach

 

 

Princess has 7 day Mexican Riviera trips out of San Pedro

 

The good part is no air-fare

 

Let us hear what you decide

 

I don't know the rules for under age travelers on Princess--I'm sure a call to 1-800Princess will give you some answers

 

Nancy:)

[choula]

I would recommend Carnival. I have been on Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines...and I am still young at heart..and to me for your age group Carnival is the cruise line for you..fun, fun, fun...I just hope you have as much as we had on our cruise....choula

[momofmeg]

I believe I read somewhere that the chaperone can be in the adjacent room with RCCL but have to be IN the room for Carnival, is this correct?

 

I was looking at Galveston, that might be up our alley since we can get cheaper airfare on Southwest flying to Texas. Thanks.

 

If the chaperone is your parent-and if the "child" brings no friends along.

[musicmansmom]

what cruise line :eek: --carnival of course :D

[kitty9]

You may have waited too long to book anything cheap for this summer. It's May, and from what I can tell, there's not a lot to choose from for summer. Cruises book very early, and especially summer cruises book a year out. And you will find that the earlier you book, the cheaper the cruise is----most cruise fares have been going up, rather than down the closer to sailing you get. Another thing to remember, the cheapest cabins book first. Good luck finding a cruise. Personally, I think Carnival will be your best bet. Also, since the kids will be considered underage by the cruise line, everyone will need a notorized letter from both their parents giving them permission to cruise. I know that sounds stupid, but if they don't have that letter, they can be denied boarding. If you're wanting to drink, again on some lines parents have to sign a waiver permitting them to drink beer and wine---no hard liquor. And, if an underage person is caught drinking, they will be thrown off the ship. Not trying to discourage you, but you need to be aware of everything. Nothing like paying for your cruise, getting to the port and then having the cruise line deny you boarding---you lose all your money if that happens.