Planning first cruise, need help!!!

[davethomasowns]

Hello all!

 

Stumbled upon this site only a few days ago and wow, it has helped me a lot. I still have a few stupid questions that it seems like you all could help me with. First off, I am a 21-Year-Old living in Florida. I had never been out of the state until February last year when I went on a cruise with my girlfriend’s family to Jamaica (Carnival.) Needles to say, I had the best time of my life and for her birthday this year (She turns 21 in early March,) I want to surprise her with a cruise. I have been looking for a couple weeks and I think I am narrowing it down to a few choices. It seems that Carnival is definitely cheaper and I want to go someplace besides Grand Caymans and Ochos Rios, because, well she has already been there. So first off, here are 3 that I am really interested in:

 

#1 http://www.carnival.com/Itinerary.aspx?embkCode=FLL&itinCode=WCM&durDays=8&shipCode=MI&subRegionCode=CW&rateCode=BCA&sailingID=43104&sailDate=3/6/2008

 

#2 http://www.carnival.com/Itinerary.aspx?embkCode=PCV&itinCode=WCM&durDays=7&shipCode=GL&subRegionCode=CW&rateCode=BCA&sailingID=46486&sailDate=3/8/2008

 

#3

http://www.carnival.com/Itinerary.aspx?embkCode=MIA&itinCode=ECU&durDays=7&shipCode=TI&subRegionCode=CE&rateCode=BCA&sailingID=45340&sailDate=3/8/2008

 

I think I am set on getting the Oceanview rooms, so $749, $670, and $729 respectively.

 

Now the stupid questions!

 

1. The last cruise I went on her parents paid for everything. So besides this “$749” pricetag they list, what other charges are there? I know that I need money for parking, excursions, drinks, but besides all that, what charges will there be? How much are the taxes and/or port fees. Basically what would the rough price be before I step foot on the ship.

2. For anybody that has visited these destinations, which would you recommend? For #1, would we be able to see the actual panama canal, and are Costa Rica and Beliz worth it? For #2, what would you say about Cozumel? I think this week is during spring break for most, so I don’t want to go to a huge party. We have fun, but I definitely want to enjoy the scenery and not be stuck with a bunch of other college kids who are trashed. And Nassau? How’s that? #3 has all destinations I have never even heard of. Mainly how are St. Thomas, Rico, and Grand Turk??

So basically… if you were choosing one of the three, which would it be and why? And would we be better off getting an interior and using the savings at destinations? I definitely can’t get a balcony right now, but the window in the room sounds like it might be alright if we do OV.

 

Thanks in advance for the help… I know I sound like a complete idiot, but there’s not much time and I really just want her to have the best time possible!

Shane :)

[Drew B]

There is a thread on here called "Carnival Miracle 12/01/07 Review - The Good, The Great and the AWESOME..." (sorry, but I don't know how to post a link) that contains the most wonderful, in depth review of a trip on the Miracle itinerary (Panama/Costa Rica/Belize). If you read that thread, it should tell you TONS about that itinerary and that experience.

[misguidedangel]

IMHO get a balcony cabin. People say they will sleep in ther cabin and that is it. That isn't always the case, you will find you're in the cabin more than you think. Now, if you have a balcony you will have your own private place to sit and not be bugged and your own space to watch the sail aways from port instead if fighting for space on deck!

[sparkscruiser]

First of all welcome to CC! Now, regarding your questions. Your girlfriend must be 21 when you travel. Carnival policy is that guests under 21 must be accompanied in the room with someone over 25. So, if she won't be 21 before you want to go, rethink those dates.

 

Miracle is a great ship, we've only been to Belize, but loved it. Go snorkeling or the cave tubing, they are both fun. As far as the canal goes, you can take an excursion that will take you through the locks and back from what I've heard.

 

Haven't been on the Glory. Already mentioned Belize and Coz is fun. Many things to do in Coz.

 

Triumph - this was our last cruise and we had a great time. Ports were great. We snorkled in two of the ports, walked through Old San Juan and visited the two forts. I recommend you go to the reviews section and read some of the reviews. For that matter, you may want to check the reviews on all the ships.

 

Now for your other questions .........

When you are on the Carnival website, act like you are going to book your trip. You fill out all the info - get to the end of the booking screen and you will have your final price for the cruise only. Keep in mind that the prices you quote are ocean view guaranty so you won't be able to select a cabin, Carnival will select it for you. You may even get upgraded, you never know.

 

Spring Break can definately be a mad house. If you can wait till later in the season to go, I would recommend it.

 

Keep us posted (yes it's a pun!) on what you decide. Have a great cruise!

[Payd]

IMHO get a balcony cabin. People say they will sleep in ther cabin and that is it. That isn't always the case, you will find you're in the cabin more than you think. Now, if you have a balcony you will have your own private place to sit and not be bugged and your own space to watch the sail aways from port instead if fighting for space on deck!

 

You seem a bit concerned about Spring breakers on the cruise so I would join misguidedangel in recommending a balcony if there is a chance you can afford it.

 

If you want to know cost inclusive of taxes call Carnival. I have researched a few cruises that in some cases the OV cabins on higher levels are the same or only $20 less than a balcony guarantee - worth checking out.

 

You can take an excursion through the canal. The Miracle is our favorite ship so far, although we have thought about the Triumph itinerary.

 

Good luck

 

Payd:)

[cruisinjerseygirl]

Ok so I have been to a few of the islands you are asking about and I have been on the Miracle seems to be a hands down fav ship on here and with myself not that I have cruised a ton but between the two that I have done I LOVED it. The itinerary for it is awesome, it's the one I would like to go on next year at some point.

 

I dont think you can go wrong with any of the itineraries you chose. So keep this in mind...you are going spring break week there will be ALOT of small children on that ship. Honestly I do the balcony every time but if it were not for my DH I would do the OV or even an inside. You really AREN'T in the room all that much so to me I just don't see the point in spending the extra money on a room when you could spend it elsewhere.

 

You should go and check out some info on the ports on these boards you will get a lot of useful information and it may help you make your decision.

 

Good Luck!

[ballarinamom]

Well, you can go to the homeports area of this site and get some great info on where to park and what the cost would be. Since you are driving, you are allowed a case of water, 2 bottles of wine or champagne per person and a couple of 12 packs of soda. They have free lemonade, tea and fruitpunch in the buffet. That could save some money. A beer runs around $5.50 with the tip. Drink of the day around $10, smaller fruity drink about $6. Some might suggest you bring (sneak) on booze. I hate to admit it but DH brought (smuggled) 3- 12 packs of bud light. Sorry CC members!

As for excursions, go to the ports of call area of this site to get some great info on independent tours which could save you alot of money.

Good Luck!!!

[mprucha]

Hi and welcome to cruise critic!

First of all let me say that you would enjoy either of these 3 cruises but I would lean you towards the Miracle because so many love this ship. Go to my website about cruises and it’ll not only tell you many things about the Miracle, show you the capers, etc, it has over 1000 pictures on it and can give you tips and hints and lists. You don’t sound like an idiot at all and we’re here to help!

http://www.prucha.com/modules.php?name=Cruise_Mania

Now here are my answers to questions.

• Money---Your price includes your trip, food & drinks and entertainment on board ship. The price you see listed is before taxes and port costs so anticipate a little more. Things it doesn’t include are the special reservations alternative restaurants on board, alcohol of any kind, soda or the soda cards, latte or espresso at the “coffee shop area” as well as the special desserts served there; bingo, shopping in the ships shops; drinks of any kind out of your mini frig; photos you may want to buy from ships photographers or video of your cruise; tips (the $10/per person per day plus whatever extra you tip anyone not only onboard but for people like cab drivers, etc etc; excursions off the ship & shopping; laundry if you needed it onboard; parking in your port; hotel if you are staying before or after the cruise; the new fuel charge. These are the main things.

• Do you have a TA (travel agent?) Do you need one? If so, contact me by email and I’ll give you the info on the one I use. You can email me at anne@prucha.com

• They can give you exactly what your price would be before stepping foot on the ship.

• Any and all of these destinations are great. Check out the cruise critic boards for each destination and you’ll get more info and websites to check out as well as others reviews of the area, excursions, etc. I love St. Thomas personally as well as Cozumel and Belize. You may or may not love the panama canal depending on what kind of scenery you like. Some of that decision is also age related I think.

• Keep in mind that anytime you’re traveling during spring break week you run the risk of getting caught around a lot of young people that are out to do nothing but party HOWEVER, your vacation is what you make of it so you can enjoy it anyway just set your mind to it.

• Cabin---get what you can afford! If you’d rather have the inside and save your money for other “fun” things then that’s what I would do. Yes, the window would be nice but how much will you be looking out the window and is it worth it to you to spend the extra for that or for other things. It’s all about what’s important to you.

Final thoughts---I’d choose the Miracle as my first choice and the Glory as my second. If you want more info or thoughts, email me.

[Prairie_Gal]

Hi, and welcome to Cruise Critic! :) We have only been on one cruise ourselves, so we are still novices also, but one thing I did notice is that the first itinerary you listed is an 8 day, while the others are 7 day, so you get more bang for your buck.

 

In addition to the port fees and taxes that others have mentioned (that you can see when you do a fake booking) there is now the fuel surcharge ($5 pp/day) and the gratuities are $10 pp/day.

 

Have a great time, whichever you choose.

[mariemorgan]

You can do a fake booking and quit before you enter Credit Card info to find the total taxes/fees/fuel surcharge/Prepaid tips (if you choose this)

 

Other things to think of are drinks/souveniers/excursions

[sea_u_onboard]

Welcome to CC - you will find a wealth of information here.

 

Check out my website - I think you will find lots of information that may help you.

[Sharkin97]

Shane,

 

Any travel agent or Carnival rep can help you find the total price of your cruise...ie taxes, port fees, etc.

 

As for what you will spend on the cruise, that is entirely up to your budget. You have to figure out what you can afford, and then stick to it. You have to prioritize your funds with your wants and needs.

 

Here is an idea and this may or may not work for you.

 

Whatever the price of your cabin will be, per person... triple that. So, if you get a 5 day cruise at 500pp Cabin... thats 1500. That extra 500 is your sign and sail account. Divide the S/S budget by #days...and that is your daily budget for adult beverages, etc. Keep in mind thats for 2 people. 50 dollars per person per day is easy to exceed, especially if you appreciate adult beverages. DO NOT put any gambling you do onto your sign and sail card ( especially if consuming adult beverages at the same time).... that is just a bad idea unless you have a tremendous budget. Gamble with cash you bring along. HOpefully it will grow for you, but come to an understanding that when that cash is gone, the casino fun is over.

 

As for days in port, you are again going to have to go with what you can afford. There are great resources on this website and many others to assist you with that. I will say that you can do ports on the extreme inexpensive or the extravagantly pricey. In many foreign ports-of-call, you can have a wonderful day for very little money. There are tons of free beaches, etc... and if you figure out where the locals eat, you will save a ton of money and have a far more genuine experience. ( Who goes to Montego Bay to eat at the Planet Hollywood anyhow??) ALWAYS keep your safety in mind, however, but do not be overly cautious either. If there are a lot of local folks around, you are relatively safe. Be afraid if you find yourselves alone. If the food is off-the-stove hot, eat it, especially if you waited in a line filled with locals.

 

If you like to snorkel....buy snorkeling gear at a sporting goods store before you leave... you will pay less to own it than to rent it...and its YOURS....same goes for a lot of things I suppose. DO NOT FORGET THE DIVING GLOVES, her hands will appreciate YOUR thoughtfulness.

 

Ok.... these are just the ramblings of a world-traveled Sailor. Being a tourist is expensive ..... being a traveler can be very inexpensive and offers a great experience.

[sea_u_onboard]

We brought the snorkel only and left the fins at home - rented those as it's not that they are expensive - I just don't like using a snorkel that someone else has used.

[JessicaRN]

Welcome to CC dto! :) I read your post and said to Justin that you guys are exactly like us!

 

We never use a travel agent, we always book through our personal vacation planner (PVP). We've used him for several cruises, my entire family has used him, and he's just the best.

 

As for choosing a cruise, well, I've only been to about half of the ports you've chosen. I really didn't care for Belize, we never left the little port shopping area. It seemed somewhat dangerous, but we usually go it alone. If you go with the Carnival excursions I'm sure you'll be taken care of.

 

I love St. Thomas, though it's getting a bit built up. There's a non-CCL tour available for $10 (I think!) per person by a man named Godfry. It's shopping, a tour, and beach time. Well worth the money! We did it in May 06 and we couldn't recommend it more.

 

San Juan isn't bad. When we were there we didn't do much, we spent most of the time in the port area shopping, and then went to Senor Frog's for dancing and 3' margaritas ;)

 

Cozumel is nice. We're heading there in about 13 days. :D We're most likely going to do the Mayan ruins excursions (yes, we decided to do the CCL excursions this time).

 

If you're worried about drunken college Spring Break'ers or young kids on their Spring Break, you should think about a different week. We almost never cruise when school is not in session for that exact reason (you would think we're crotchety 80 year olds and not 20-somethings lol).

 

As for the cabin, we book inside cabins. I guess it depends on the person, but we really don't spend a lot of time in the cabin so a balcony is a waste. My parents, on the other hand, prefer to sit on their balcony than poolside, so they couldn't be without the balcony/suite. It's just not worth the extra money to us. As a good point for the inside (other than it being cheaper ;)), if you want to take a nap, close the door, shut the lights, and you wouldn't be able to tell if it's 2am or 2pm. Just remember to set the alarm on your cell of you'll miss dinner! lol

 

Finally, I definitely agree with the previous posters who advise you to read through the ports of call threads, and the roll call threads. They give you great ideas about the excursions and what you can do if you want to head out on your own.

 

Hope this helps!

 

- Jess

[grammacassi]

First let me say that to properly make use of this wonderful site you have found grab a notebook!! I was planning our family's first cruise this time last year and found absolutely everything I needed to know from the wonderful folks who take the time to post on this site!!

Now, the only other advice I can give regarding the cruises that you have chosen is in Cozumel. Our family had Cozumel as our last port so it was to be our laid back day. And it was!! We walked from the pier to the left for some very hassle free shopping, ended up finding a little plaza, about a block long to shop. It was great. I felt no pressure, and got some great deals. Then we hopped into a taxi and went to Paradise Beach (which I learned about on the Cozumel page of this site) and was so impressed with the service, PB Tom, the owner found us enough lounge chairs and a table and umbrella and got us our first bucket of Coronas. My kids, 22, 16,15 and 11 played in the water and got henna tatoos. We all had such a great time. Go to the Cozumel site for more info.

I also think that a balcony is the best place to unwind in the evening, listening to the water and kicking back!

Have a great time!

[kinggartk]

I have never been on Miracle, but am Sailing on the Golry in May...You might find more Spring breakers on the Glory. If you read through this Website, you will find that the Miracle is a very popular ship (Probably the most talked about Carnival ship on this board).

 

The following link will take you to a poll of Favorite Carnival Ships...Miracle received the most votes.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=678110

[fridaythe13th]

I just want to add that if you must go on Spring Break that having a cabin on the lower decks would not be a good choice as that is where the least expensive cabins are and fill with the "breakers".

 

Someone else pointed this out but do compare the price of an OV to a balcony as I have even seen a balcony priced lower than an OV.

 

Also as another poster said (if you missed it), your g/f will have to be 21 before you sail so that may decide your travel dates.

 

I also like the Eastern itinerary for Valor and Freedom. Have you looked at those? I would pick #3 on your list as far as the ports go.

 

What a great birthday present and enjoy your cruise! Will be checking back to see what you decide.

[kinggartk]

Go to this link http://www.savefile.com/files/939491and download the File called CarnivalMiracle.PDF. This is a brochure for the Miracle that you might find very helpful.

[davethomasowns]

Thanks for all the advice so far!!!

Regarding her age, she turns 21 on March 5th and the dates are the 6th and 8th so she’s fine correct? And I really wanted it to be that week. We both go to school and work 2 jobs, so spring break sounded like the perfect time. Also, I plan on talking with her bosses and requesting the time off for her so here is what would happen. Her party will be that night. She will get her gift and realize that she is going on a cruise that leaves TOMORROW. I will have taken care of everything and all she has to do is have fun. That’s the plan.

After reading a lot, I really think that Miracle would be the best choice. A) She would leave only 1 day after the surprise (Essentially making it more of a surprise,) B) One more day at sea, and C) The destinations just look awesome. I know that she has always wanted to see the Panama Canal, and Beliz and Costa Rica look amazing.

So last night I feel like I had made the choice… Decided to check both of our school schedules and everything was perfect until… I see that she has an exam in her Calc class on the 6th. This totally bummed me out, so today I found a way to secretly get her to ask her professor if she can take it a couple days earlier. I told her I wanted to take her to stay the night at the beach for her birthday, and that I wanted to do it before all the breakers get there, so she is going to ask her prof tomorrow. If she lets her take the exam on the 4th, then I am definitely picking Miracle. So everyone, please, please keep your fingers crossed that her professor is okay with this.

About cabin selection… I think this is going to be one of the hardest decisions to make. I keep leaning back and forth. I started the checkout process and these are the total prices with fees and gratuity.

Balcony $2096.02 OV $1836.02 Inside $1636.02

I definitely do not have a lot of money to spend. Getting the Inside would save me almost $400. That is a lot of money. That could probably cover the excursions and some of the other expenses! Granted my first cruise was an Oceanview, and I thought it was beautiful, it really seems more cost-efficient for us specifically to get the inside and have more money to do stuff on the ports. If I want to get breeze and watch the ocean, there is more than enough room on the boat to do that whenever I like.

Fridaythe13th, thanks for the tips. Have you, or anyone else for that matter, been on a cruise during spring break? Was it really bad and could you still enjoy yourselves? I know that the Jamaica cruise I went on did not have too many partiers. Me and Kaleigh will be up most of the nights and having a good time ourselves, I just don’t want a lot of drunk crazy idiots being obnoxious the whole time. I am going on the cruise so I can relax, forget about things back home, and see other parts of the world.

Once again, I thank everyone here for the help thus far. I will definitely keep you updated with which one I choose. I get paid next Friday, so this will probably be when I book it.

Shane

[Drew B]

Balcony $2096.02 OV $1836.02 Inside $1636.02

 

I definitely do not have a lot of money to spend. Getting the Inside would save me almost $400. That is a lot of money. That could probably cover the excursions and some of the other expenses! Granted my first cruise was an Oceanview, and I thought it was beautiful, it really seems more cost-efficient for us specifically to get the inside and have more money to do stuff on the ports. If I want to get breeze and watch the ocean, there is more than enough room on the boat to do that whenever I like.

 

 

Personally, I've never seen much benefit in OV cabins, and wouldn't pay more than a few bucks more for one of them than for an inside. Unless you want to splurge for the balcony, I would say that an inside would be great for you. You can then look forward to sailing in a balcony cabin down the road on one of your subsequent cruises.

[zillabe]

Sounds like you have everything figured out! Our first cruise was on an inside room and we still had a blast! We just spent more time around the ship. But once you go balcony you never go back...

 

I would be nervous having only one day for her to pack. I'm a girl and I need time to plan! :p But then again, I make all these different lists before I go and never follow them anyway.

 

Good luck! I'm sure you guys will have a great time!

[mlpcruiser]

Okay, here's my 2 cents. We went on the Conquest out of Galveston over Spring Break 06 with our two daughters. We did not notice ANY difference from our other cruises in regard to kids! (And we were INSIDE on the RIVIERA deck!) Most of them will be in Camp Carnival anyway! We have had 1 oceanview cabin, but because of budget, the other two were inside. I agree that we do not spend enough time in our cabin to warrant spending the extra moolah for a window/balcony. We would rather spend that money elsewhere. That being said, when we go to Alaska next year, we will get a balcony, because, well, it's Alaska and not just a bunch of ocean. I know you will have a great time, no matter when or where you choose!

[JAMB]

I just did some price checking and the Glory Cruise you have selected is showing better past guest prices than the other two. Since you have traveled with Carnival before you do qualify for them. Enter you past guest number along with discount code DP3. I ran the cost for a balcony. It is an 8A upgraded to and 8E. Total booking cost with tips ($140 for the cabin) included your price would be 1892.94. Going this route will save you about $50 p/p over booking the guarantee rate.

 

There were no big savings when booking an interior or OV other than getting an in category upgrade, price was the same as going guarantee.

 

My wife and I were talked into, and it didn't take much by the TA, booking a balcony for our first cruise and just loved it. I don't know if I could stay in anything else now, call me a balcony snob :eek: . (BTW we are in a balcony for my 2/17 sailing also.

 

Like others have said, book the cabin you feel you can live with afford. I'm sure you will enjoy your cruise no matter what you book and you GF is going to just love you for doing this.

 

Just a thought.

 

Brian

[fridaythe13th]

Thanks for all the advice so far!!!

Regarding her age, she turns 21 on March 5th and the dates are the 6th and 8th so she’s fine correct? And I really wanted it to be that week. We both go to school and work 2 jobs, so spring break sounded like the perfect time. Also, I plan on talking with her bosses and requesting the time off for her so here is what would happen. Her party will be that night. She will get her gift and realize that she is going on a cruise that leaves TOMORROW. I will have taken care of everything and all she has to do is have fun. That’s the plan.

After reading a lot, I really think that Miracle would be the best choice. A) She would leave only 1 day after the surprise (Essentially making it more of a surprise,) B) One more day at sea, and C) The destinations just look awesome. I know that she has always wanted to see the Panama Canal, and Beliz and Costa Rica look amazing.

So last night I feel like I had made the choice… Decided to check both of our school schedules and everything was perfect until… I see that she has an exam in her Calc class on the 6th. This totally bummed me out, so today I found a way to secretly get her to ask her professor if she can take it a couple days earlier. I told her I wanted to take her to stay the night at the beach for her birthday, and that I wanted to do it before all the breakers get there, so she is going to ask her prof tomorrow. If she lets her take the exam on the 4th, then I am definitely picking Miracle. So everyone, please, please keep your fingers crossed that her professor is okay with this.

About cabin selection… I think this is going to be one of the hardest decisions to make. I keep leaning back and forth. I started the checkout process and these are the total prices with fees and gratuity.

Balcony $2096.02 OV $1836.02 Inside $1636.02

I definitely do not have a lot of money to spend. Getting the Inside would save me almost $400. That is a lot of money. That could probably cover the excursions and some of the other expenses! Granted my first cruise was an Oceanview, and I thought it was beautiful, it really seems more cost-efficient for us specifically to get the inside and have more money to do stuff on the ports. If I want to get breeze and watch the ocean, there is more than enough room on the boat to do that whenever I like.

Fridaythe13th, thanks for the tips. Have you, or anyone else for that matter, been on a cruise during spring break? Was it really bad and could you still enjoy yourselves? I know that the Jamaica cruise I went on did not have too many partiers. Me and Kaleigh will be up most of the nights and having a good time ourselves, I just don’t want a lot of drunk crazy idiots being obnoxious the whole time. I am going on the cruise so I can relax, forget about things back home, and see other parts of the world.

Once again, I thank everyone here for the help thus far. I will definitely keep you updated with which one I choose. I get paid next Friday, so this will probably be when I book it.

Shane

 

I'm impressed, you have all bases covered. Since this would be an 8 day I would bet that there would be less breakers on board. If you really don't care where you end up on the ship I think I would book an inside guarantee. Don't count on it but you may end up being upgraded. Maybe when you book you could say something to your TA or PVP about putting a note on your reservation about being upgraded. Who knows, it might work. If not I'm sure you will be fine with an inside. Have a blast! It must be hard to keep this kind of a secret:eek:

[davethomasowns]

Hello!

 

I of course spent literally all night browsing through this site. I think I have decided on the Inside room. Like I said, with fees and tips, total is $1636.02. Is that price about normal for an 8-day around this time of the year? I made a mistake on looking through the thread about "Best cruise deal you ever found" and there were a lot of people who went on 7-Days for about $700-$800 less.

 

I know that since I have the dates so particular, and waited until 2 months before to book, I probably will not find these great "Limited Time Deals," but is the $1600 price tag about normal??

 

Anyhow, she class class at 2pm today and is going to ask about switching her exam dates, so I am praying that it goes okay.

 

And Fridaythe13th, you are right. I haven't even booked yet and it is extremely hard to not talk about it. I am so excited and I know that once I am paid up, it will take everything in me to make sure it stays a secret!

 

Thanks again

Shane