Favorite Cruise and why?

[hatchetjack5]

I am trying to figure out which cruise I want to take later next year (2009) and not sure which to choose from. I am up for anything. Between 5 and 7 days.

[LynneL]

I tend to like the Western Caribbean ones. Seems like it appeals to just about the whole family - a lot of outdoor things to do that even those who aren't into the whole water sports type thing can participate in...Like the Snorkel/Swim with the Stringrays in Grand Cayman, plus the clearest water & cleanest place - Stringray sand bar only about 3-4 feet deep so great for the non-swimmers (we used Captain Marvins), Cave Tubing in Belize (also did private tour which was great but drawing a blank on the name "something"belize I think), Cozmel has lots of shopping for those who like that and a great beach area, Jamaica wasn't a top spot but it does have Dunns River Falls, which is fun, and great stuff handcarved wood items at that big outside flea market just expect to be asked a million times for hair braiding, look at my stuff, etc.

 

Just came back from Alaska and that had the most beautiful scenery ever but it is mellow and my kids (late teens, early twenties) would have been a bit bored with the lack of stuff to do on the ship.

[Hawaii697]

I cruised on the Valor last year. We left out of Miami, stopped at St. Thomas, St. Marteen and the Bahamas. Had a great time, especially in St. Marteen. Also, I had about 19 people with me and that made for a great time as well.

 

I also prefer the Southern Caribbean itinerary. Sailed on the Destiny twice. Some of the islands we visited were St. Thomas, Antiqua, Barbados, Aruba, Dominica, Guadelope. Barbados, St. Thomas and Antiqua were among my favoritie islands.

[cruzkitty]

I, too, love the Western Caribbean! Both Cozumel and Grand Cayman are so beautiful and have many exciting excursions. :p

[KatSt]

I loved the Eastern Caribbean with stops at St Thomas and St Maarten. I haven't done the Western Caribbean yet.

[jrmende63]

I am trying to figure out which cruise I want to take later next year (2009) and not sure which to choose from. I am up for anything. Between 5 and 7 days.

I have two favorite cruises: 1) our cruise to Alaska on the Carnival Spirit. Why? it was our 1st cruise, our 25th wedding anniversary, and our "hooked on Cruising" cruise. It was also some of the most breathtaking scenery we have ever seen. 2) My cruise on the Carnival Celebration. Why? It was a cruise with my sister, time we never get to spend together otherwise.

I must say though, any cruise is wonderful to me. Hubby and I love cruising.

[pkrchkr]

I would have to say Alaska on RCCL( sorry please don't flame me I was a cruise virgin but have never gone back).I would have take the trip on Carnival if I had the chance.DM bought us the cruise for our honeymoon.Had a great time as I would have on CCL. Sights were great , we got back early and were docked out in English bay over night just in time for the symphony of fire fireworks display from all different countries.What a great veiw from the top deck.:)

[deepnite10]

despite traveler warning s ..the Mexican Riviera is my favorite

cruise destination..

 

not because of the fishing, golf or diving..but, because of the

culture..though my spanish is very limited..i always feel as im

part of the people..i really idenify with their very laid back

life style..at time s just sat on the streets to see, smell and

feel what the everyday person experiences..

 

though i really don t care for all the street vendors or the

cab driver s barking for fares..i do appreciate their work ethic

in trying to make a living..

 

given the choice of a retirement home..it d probably be a small

small house in Zihuatanejo..

 

but, the wife feels totally vunerable for her safety due to the

language barrier..though i ve tried everything to calm her fears..

[Bases5]

We did a 10 round trip from San Francisco to Alaska. We thought we wouldn't like it. Cruising in the cold didn't sound that appealing. Oh my god we are so glad we did it. Maybe its because we are from Florida, but we have never seen anything so beautiful, and the natural wildlife was just awesome.

[magic&buddy]

I cruised on the Valor last year. We left out of Miami, stopped at St. Thomas, St. Marteen and the Bahamas. Had a great time, especially in St. Marteen. Also, I had about 19 people with me and that made for a great time as well.

 

I also prefer the Southern Caribbean itinerary. Sailed on the Destiny twice. Some of the islands we visited were St. Thomas, Antiqua, Barbados, Aruba, Dominica, Guadelope. Barbados, St. Thomas and Antiqua were among my favoritie islands.

 

 

Barbados is one of my favorite places anywhere!

[chelledun]

We LOVED the southern Caribbean itinerary we did on Princess - Carnival has a similar one. The islands are much less crowded with tourists and very beautiful!!! We were going to do it again this year but flight prices were prohibitive to San Juan so we had to switch.

 

Michelle

[DarthGrady]

Probably my favorite less-than-a-week cruise so far has been the Inspirations five day itinerary. She leaves out of Tampa, and goes to Grand Cayman, the Cozumel with two sea days. It is a nice cruise, and the Inspiration was recently remodeled.

 

My favorite 7 day so far was Glory's eastern route. She leaves out of Port Canaveral and goes to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. There are 3 sea days.

[KKCruisers]

As far as a trip goes I would have to say Hawaii, but not for the cruise because we didn't really spend much time on the Pride of Hawaii. We had a wonderful time visiting the islands and because we rented a car at every port we were able to see a lot more than those that just did the excursions. It was a trip to remember, I know I can't wait to do it again. Just don't go with the idea it will be like other cruises you have taken where you spend a lot of time on the ship. We did have breakfast and dinner on the ship most days, and went to a couple of shows but never went to the pool and of course there are no casinos so we didn't miss that.

Now for a cruise, cruise, my choice would be the Mexican Riviera on the Carnival Pride (it was our 2nd time on the Pride). The weather was perfect and all the islands were so beautiful. I would do that one again too. The Pride is a wonderful ship. We were on her when she was brand new in 2002 and then again in 2004. I'm not sure if she is still doing the Riviera.

My daughter is taking me on a cruise in August on the Inspiration, I'm looking forward to that.

Happy cruising!

[Catrin]

We loved our 8 day cruise on the Legend that went to St Marteen, Barbados and Martinique....

Barbados was our favorite port by far.....

 

As far as a 7 day cruise.. I do not think you can go wrong on the Western Itinerary.

I think Cozumel is the best all around port. There is something for everyone here.

Grand Cayman has beautiful beaches and the Stingrays.

Ocho Rios has Dunn Rivers Falls and Margaritaville!

[caribbeanchickie]

My absolute favorite port is Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Everything about it is just gorgeous! Ahhhhhhhhhhh, if only our Oct cruise was going there. :(

[TanIslandGirl]

So far my favorite is the 7 night W. Caribbean itinerary.

[LSUcajunmom]

My next one!

[Cotton]

My favorite cruise was my very first - on Carnival's FESTIVALE....so can't help you at all. You never forget your first anything, y'know.:D

[JenniGail]

Our favorite was our 7 day trip on the Miracle to Grand Cayman, Belize, Cozumel and Costa Maya. Why?

 

1) Miracle is a beautiful ship, we just loved everything about her.

2) All four stops offered something unique and fun.

3) Costa Maya (Majahaul) was one of the most beautiful places we have ever been in our life!

4) It was our first 7 day without the kids :D

 

Jen

[cod]

Without a doubt, the spring '06 Splendour of the Seas transatlantic...Galveston to Lisbon...12 nights.

 

1) It was a steal at $600 pp for an upper deck inside...but then we were upgraded to a midship oceanview...very nice. We had a great cabin steward to boot!

 

2) I don't know if this is how RC handles dining requests for all their cruises, but in this case they had a desk set up in the terminal and so we asked for - and got - a 'table for two' before we even boarded. (No going to a DR at a certain time and waiting in line). Our table was right next to a wonderful "live" piano player's platform which was a very nice 'added touch' to dinner. And our waiter, Reuben, was outstanding. In fact, after 14 cruises, his is the only waiter's name I remember! Besides what we ordered, he often brought us something that he felt was "a must try". And usually it was very good!! The food - overall - was excellent!

 

3) Last but not least..the entertainment! Outstanding! The shows were all varied and each as good or better than the one before. Samples...

Glen Smith (introduced as a Vegas entertainer of the year winner) who sang and played the piano like another Jerry Lee Lewis and then on top of that played the fiddle and sang/spoke (dueling fiddles?) it as well as the original recording!! What an act...he literally brought down the house!!! Michel Bell, a renowned bass-baritone (wonderful), Steve Brunner (comedian), Dolores Park (singer), Michael James (juggler), Michele La Fong (comedian), John Westford (magician), violinist Hana Starosta (WOW!), and a couple of others that I can't remember! And there were no 'repeats' which I found was the case on our 2 othery "long" cruises.

 

Yes, yes, enough already! Except kudos to whoever put that line-up together. Peter Benfield was the cruise director and I guess he should be credited (?).

 

4) Lot's of day activities, too, including exercise sessions on deck every morning. Haven't seen that on our last few cruises.

 

Finally, this wonderful cruise was followed by 4 days in Lisbon, a first-time visit for us. Perfect weather, a wonderful city to visit and spend some time in and, so, a very fitting end to a great vacation!

[Wennfred]

2 Thumbs up for the Western Carribbean, I really enjoyed the 4 ports we went too on the 7 day Valor Cruise.

 

Belize

Grand Caymans

Isla Roatan

Costa Maya

 

 

 

Fred

[glrounds]

despite traveler warning s ..the Mexican Riviera is my favorite

cruise destination..

not because of the fishing, golf or diving..but, because of the

culture..though my spanish is very limited..i always feel as im

part of the people..i really idenify with their very laid back

life style..at time s just sat on the streets to see, smell and

feel what the everyday person experiences..

 

though i really don t care for all the street vendors or the

cab driver s barking for fares..i do appreciate their work ethic

in trying to make a living..

 

given the choice of a retirement home..it d probably be a small

small house in Zihuatanejo..

 

but, the wife feels totally vunerable for her safety due to the

language barrier..though i ve tried everything to calm her fears..

 

My pic, also. Can't beat the Mexican Riviera. My favorite port, Puerto Vallarta (even fly there when I can't cruise). Also thinking of retiring there, but would choose a small village on the beach just north of Puerto Vallarta. :)

 

As far as a trip goes I would have to say Hawaii, but not for the cruise because we didn't really spend much time on the Pride of Hawaii. We had a wonderful time visiting the islands and because we rented a car at every port we were able to see a lot more than those that just did the excursions. It was a trip to remember, I know I can't wait to do it again. Just don't go with the idea it will be like other cruises you have taken where you spend a lot of time on the ship. We did have breakfast and dinner on the ship most days, and went to a couple of shows but never went to the pool and of course there are no casinos so we didn't miss that.

Now for a cruise, cruise, my choice would be the Mexican Riviera on the Carnival Pride (it was our 2nd time on the Pride). The weather was perfect and all the islands were so beautiful. I would do that one again too. The Pride is a wonderful ship. We were on her when she was brand new in 2002 and then again in 2004. I'm not sure if she is still doing the Riviera.

My daughter is taking me on a cruise in August on the Inspiration, I'm looking forward to that.

Happy cruising!

 

Yes, the ideal cruise today IMHO is the PRIDE on the Mexican Riviera. The PRIDE is still here, but scheduled to go to Baltimore when the new SPLENDOR comes to its homeport in the States, right here in Long Beach next to that grand ole lady, the QUEEN MARY. :D

[cod]

Oooops, I just realized that without thinking I sang the praises of an RC cruise on Carnival's board. As my defense, question WAS very generic.

 

Perhaps I can make amends by saying I've enjoyed all but one of my 6 carnival cruises?!

[cod]

What happened? Did my glowing RC review send this thread into orbit or something? Sorry if I offended any Carnival diehards!

 

I think 'variety is the spice of life' and I hope everyone who can, cruises with every line out there and gets to compare the differences. And there are certainly differences. There are things I like a little more over another in each of the 3 lines we've been on most often (CCL, RCI and NCL).

 

Our one Celebrity cruise did not impress me very much but I would cruise with them again. It amazed me that our sheets weren't changed once in 12 nights. How do I know?....5 teeny rust-like spots in one corner that were there for the duration and could never be duplicated on another sheet. (I never saw our steward to ask him about it but I did mention it on our comment card on our last day). I made it a kind of joke after day 5...I'd ask DH for a drum-roll before pulling back the covers each night and - walla - there they were! Plus we were bored stiff. Halfway through that cruise we were discussing other 'land' vacation options for the future. (And we've been on other long cruises and not felt that way). So much for Celebrity being a 'step-up' in cruiseline ratings. BUT the food was good and I shared the final bingo jackpot with one person (after a couple of earlier-in-the-cruise bingo wins) and - since "money talks" - it couldn't help but bring my opinion of the entire cruise up a few notches!!!! And by the way, I've not seen hide-nor-hair of the Bingo Fairy since that cruise!

 

Princess and HA are hopefully somewhere in our future. Costa, too.

[Flash4me]

Hate to say this on a Carnival board, the the absolute best cruise is NCL's Pride of American.

 

It is not the ship and it is not NCL, it is Hawaiil. One entire week, every night in port, in the most beautiful place on earth.

 

If you are an active cruiser there are tons and tons of tours to see, or if you prefer to lounge you can sit on your balcony and watch the ocean meet the see.

 

It really is the best.