1st-time Caribbean Cruise traveller this yr

[ash101]

here is some advice for ppl planning cruise to caribbean in this yr:

3 routing for caribbean cruises:
West Caribbean -- Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, Cayman Islands ***Most popular
East Caribbean -- Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten **Popular
South Caribbean -- Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados *least popular

Length of sailing:
4 nights (Bahamas only) *not worth unless you don't have time.
7 nights *** reasonable length
8 - 10 nights ** Great if you rich and have time

Cruise lines & ship size(bigger is better):
Carnival (74,000 tons - 110,000 tons): Fun ships. *** cheap & popular for younger age
Princess (74,000 tons - 110,000 tons): Elegant ships. **** good for couple without children
Royal Carribbean (74,000 tons -140,000 tons): Fun & Elegant ships. ***** great for all kinds of people, because air ticket is more expensive.

if plan your trip in:

Mar-- LAST MIN. cruise rate around CAD 700 - CAD 1300/person includes Port Tax based on double inside room. Air ticket is almost sold out because of March break season. it's around CAD $500 - $700/person includes airport tax.

Apr & May -- try Last MIN. cruise rate CAD $600-$1000. Air CAD $350-$450.

Jun -- 1st/2nd/3rd week try LAST MIN. After Jun 25, 2005 is high season.

Jul -- HIGH HIGH SEASON. cruise rate CAD $1200 - 1700. Air CAD $450 - $550 (current purchase price). NO last MIN deal.

Aug -- 1st/2nd week high season. Start from 3rd week is reducing cruise rate because close to end of summer holiday.

Sep -- ALWAYS last MIN. because of Hurricanes & school term, you always can get very very cheap rate around CAD $400 - $800. Air CAD $250-450. Remember to buy travel insurance to prevent weather problem.

Oct/Nov -- Low Season and try Last MIN again. same as Apr & May.

Dec -- 1st/2nd week ALWAYS last MIN. don't know why people don't want to travel before x'mas. 3rd/4rd week HIGH HIGH HIGH Season. Celebrate New Year is always more expensive than celebrate x'mas on the ship. So 3rd week around CAD $1200- $1900. 4rd week around CAD $1600 - $2300. Plus air ticket CAD $500 - $750.

If you have any questions, let's discuss it! Anyone can tell me the situation about Europe cruise?

[blizzah]

Dec -- 1st/2nd week ALWAYS last MIN. don't know why people don't want to travel before x'mas. 3rd/4rd week HIGH HIGH HIGH Season. Celebrate New Year is always more expensive than celebrate x'mas on the ship. So 3rd week around CAD $1200- $1900. 4rd week around CAD $1600 - $2300. Plus air ticket CAD $500 - $750.


Well, Christmas always gets the nice dinner and also, I can't miss school and my parents can't miss work.

[HighFlyer]

South Caribbean -- Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados *least popular

This is my favorite Caribbean itinerary. The only reason that it isn't as mainstream as the other two is that the embarkation port is San Juan. Flights to SJU are much more expensive than FLL, MIA or MCO.

Cruise lines & ship size(bigger is better):
Carnival (74,000 tons - 110,000 tons): Fun ships. *** cheap & popular for younger age
Princess (74,000 tons - 110,000 tons): Elegant ships. **** good for couple without children
Royal Carribbean (74,000 tons -140,000 tons): Fun & Elegant ships. ***** great for all kinds of people, because air ticket is more expensive.

How does the price of the air ticket depend on which cruiseline you're on?
Anyone can tell me the situation about Europe cruise?
I don't particularly like visiting Europe on a cruise vacation. The time allocated for port stops is too short. You need to spend days in each city to appreciate it. Although the Greek Isles might be a good one to do on a cruise.

[ash101]

How does the price of the air ticket depend on which cruiseline you're on?


You can purchase the air ticket from cruise line as a package. But it's more more expensive than you buy it seperates. All the price i quote is buy seperately and directly flight departure from toronto. However, the only reason to purchase air tickets from cruise line is that they can guarantee you trip if you miss the ship at 1st departure port. Normally, they will buy you another air ticket to arrive 2nd port and catch the ship. Otherwise, you need to take the risk for flight delay or cancel because of the weather problem. It always happen in hurricanes season and snow storm season.

[ash101]

I don't particularly like visiting Europe on a cruise vacation. The time allocated for port stops is too short. You need to spend days in each city to appreciate it. Although the Greek Isles might be a good one to do on a cruise.
i want to take cruise to visit europe because i am too lazy to pack my bag every morning and take 15hrs bus or look for train maps to reach next destination.

[HighFlyer]

You can purchase the air ticket from cruise line as a package. But it's more more expensive than you buy it seperates. All the price i quote is buy seperately and directly flight departure from toronto. However, the only reason to purchase air tickets from cruise line is that they can guarantee you trip if you miss the ship at 1st departure port. Normally, they will buy you another air ticket to arrive 2nd port and catch the ship. Otherwise, you need to take the risk for flight delay or cancel because of the weather problem. It always happen in hurricanes season and snow storm season.
I never buy my flight from the cruiseline as I would like to pick the airline that I will fly on. I always fly in the night before, so it will be very unlikely that I will encounter the stress of bad weather, missed connections, delays, late bags, etc.

[dafunky1]

I've done a bit of research into the western carribean cruises. Would like to go late nov or early dec. Thought of doing last minute but hesitant about being able to get a good room if I do last minute. should I be worried? Also...interested in any other pointers ppl may have.

thanks...

[ash101]

I never buy my flight from the cruiseline as I would like to pick the airline that I will fly on. I always fly in the night before, so it will be very unlikely that I will encounter the stress of bad weather, missed connections, delays, late bags, etc.
Ya, arrive one day ahead is a smart way. however, snow storm or hurricanes can make airport close up to 3 days.
also, for those ppl who book air tickets by themselves, if you use charter flights. It's not daily departure, that means if you miss the flight, you may delay your trip more than 1 day.

[ash101]

I've done a bit of research into the western carribean cruises. Would like to go late nov or early dec. Thought of doing last minute but hesitant about being able to get a good room if I do last minute. should I be worried? Also...interested in any other pointers ppl may have.

thanks...
if you only focus on west carribbean and don't have specific ship, Last MIN is your best choice. However, if you already know which ship you will choose, otherwise, you won't have this trip. Then I suggest to book it and put down some deposit to hold current price. and do price match afterwards.

[rc51]

You can purchase the air ticket from cruise line as a package. But it's more more expensive than you buy it seperates. All the price i quote is buy seperately and directly flight departure from toronto. However, the only reason to purchase air tickets from cruise line is that they can guarantee you trip if you miss the ship at 1st departure port. Normally, they will buy you another air ticket to arrive 2nd port and catch the ship. Otherwise, you need to take the risk for flight delay or cancel because of the weather problem. It always happen in hurricanes season and snow storm season.

Not necessarily 'more' expensive thru the cruise line...we heard and read this alot before we booked but our research showed that we actually got a cheaper flight thru the cruise line as our flight also included a 1 night stay at the Mariott. The difference was only about $50 booking ourselves or booking thru the cruise line... and the $50 more we paid, more than covered the hotel room.

It's easy to check fares online these days.... you pretty much have to do a case by case comparison to get the best deal.

[mlc2000]

South Caribbean -- Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados *least popular

RCI sails out of Puerto Rico to Aruba, Curacao, St Thomas and St. Martin.. The embarkation process takes about 1 hr for Adventurer of the Seas (3000+ passengers).

If you embark from Miami, you might wait 1 hr just for a seat in the terminal.
Its hellish in Miami when 10 ships are sailing the same day.


Most East Carib routes are Miami>Puerto Rico>St. Thomas>St. MArtin>Nassau>Miami.

[GT108]

Not necessarily 'more' expensive thru the cruise line...we heard and read this alot before we booked but our research showed that we actually got a cheaper flight thru the cruise line as our flight also included a 1 night stay at the Mariott. The difference was only about $50 booking ourselves or booking thru the cruise line... and the $50 more we paid, more than covered the hotel room.

It's easy to check fares online these days.... you pretty much have to do a case by case comparison to get the best deal.


I found most curiseline will offer a very competitive price for flight so you should always check and do the comparison yourself instead.

The only draw back, and it will depend on where you are flying out of, is that they will usually put you on the cheapest flight out of your departure point. In some cases, this may mean a very early flight or one with layovers.

If you are the lucky ones where there is no flight out of your departure city on the day of the sailing, they will fly you out earlier and put you up at a hotel until the sailing.

[GT108]

I've done a bit of research into the western carribean cruises. Would like to go late nov or early dec. Thought of doing last minute but hesitant about being able to get a good room if I do last minute. should I be worried? Also...interested in any other pointers ppl may have.

thanks...

Many cruiseline will offer a "Run of the Ship" price for last minute buyers or when the sailing is almost full.

What this mean is you will be guareenteed a room, but it will be assigned shortly before the sailing.

With that said, if you are not picky, this is the way to go.

Personally I have sailed this way many times and had a range of different rooms assigned, from unobstucted balconies to inside standard next to the elevators. Personally, I don't really care where the room are located because you really don't spend that much time in the rooms anyway.

[ash101]

lots of ppl discusses to choose cruise lines flight. it's not a bad idea.

Good for cruise air: Guarantee onboard. Free transfers from airport to port.
Bad for cruise air: $50 or more expensive than you choose by your own. You won't know which airlines or rountings until 2-3 weeks before departure. If you want to customize your air ticket (stay one day before or one day later), they charge you $50 more.

Good for own air: It's cheap. and you can choose non-stop charter flight. i.e. Toronto - Ft. Lauderdale by Jetsgo normally CAD $400 incl. tax. somtimes, you can get $300 by air transat or less. Then you can take taxi or transfers from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami port. It's only 25mins ride. cruise line charge CAD $600 (Toronto - Miami). But it depends on availability.
Bad for own air: NO guarantee onboard. That means if flights delay or cancel, you will miss the ship. No refund you can get from cruise line. No refund from the charter flight.

[ash101]

here is my story:

Aug 29, we went to Mariner of the Seas for 7 NTS for East Caribbean leaving from Orlando. On last 2nd day of sailing, we were informed that Orlando Port was crashed by serious hurricanes. The ship can not park until next 3-4 business days. Capitain extended that sailing for another 3 NTs at sea. Finally the ship stop at Miami Port on Sep 07. And provide us free transfer from Miami back to Orlando. But our air tickets are by Jetsgo. They don't flight daily from Orlando to Toronto. The earliest day is Sep 10. At the end, we paid 3 nights hotels & meals in Orlando by ourselves. It's really out of our budget.
Maybe a good example for you.

[mlc2000]

here is my story:

Aug 29, we went to Mariner of the Seas for 7 NTS for East Caribbean leaving from Orlando. On last 2nd day of sailing, we were informed that Orlando Port was crashed by serious hurricanes. The ship can not park until next 3-4 business days. Capitain extended that sailing for another 3 NTs at sea. Finally the ship stop at Miami Port on Sep 07. And provide us free transfer from Miami back to Orlando. But our air tickets are by Jetsgo. They don't flight daily from Orlando to Toronto. The earliest day is Sep 10. At the end, we paid 3 nights hotels & meals in Orlando by ourselves. It's really out of our budget.
Maybe a good example for you.

This should serve as a lesson to others: Don't cruise the Caribbean in late August/ Early September. I garantee it will be windy.

Why take chances?

[veryhuman]

This should serve as a lesson to others: Don't cruise the Caribbean in late August/ Early September. I garantee it will be windy.

Why take chances?


plus, prices are much better before june.
went eastern caribbean with princess in early may for 8 days, the weather was perfect.

[aZnRYcEbOi]

here is my story:

Aug 29, we went to Mariner of the Seas for 7 NTS for East Caribbean leaving from Orlando. On last 2nd day of sailing, we were informed that Orlando Port was crashed by serious hurricanes. The ship can not park until next 3-4 business days. Capitain extended that sailing for another 3 NTs at sea. Finally the ship stop at Miami Port on Sep 07. And provide us free transfer from Miami back to Orlando. But our air tickets are by Jetsgo. They don't flight daily from Orlando to Toronto. The earliest day is Sep 10. At the end, we paid 3 nights hotels & meals in Orlando by ourselves. It's really out of our budget.
Maybe a good example for you.

How was the Mariner? That ship looks amazing...

[HighFlyer]

How was the Mariner? That ship looks amazing...
It's the newest of the Voyager class. I've been on it, Explorer and the Adventure, and the amenities are about the same. Take your pick amongst Explorer, Mariner, Voyager, Adventure, Navigator.

[aZnRYcEbOi]

It's the newest of the Voyager class. I've been on it, Explorer and the Adventure, and the amenities are about the same. Take your pick amongst Explorer, Mariner, Voyager, Adventure, Navigator.

how do they all compare to carnival's ships? are they that much better?

i'm going on carnival triumph in late april...
went on Fantasy and Ecstasy before, but they are both the same size...

[HighFlyer]

how do they all compare to carnival's ships? are they that much better?

If we are comparing ship to ship, then yes, the Voyager class has more amenities than a Carnival ship. If we're comparing the cruise experience, then RCL wins hands down. Then again I might be biased since I really hate Carnival.

[dafunky1]

I'm interested in hearing some opinions/experiences comparing east vs west carribean cruises. I'm really interested in going to Jaimaca however my wife and I would be traveling "alone"). A couple of friends are going in the same time period on a eastern carribean cruise and have asked us to join them. I'm really torn!

[aZnRYcEbOi]

If we are comparing ship to ship, then yes, the Voyager class has more amenities than a Carnival ship. If we're comparing the cruise experience, then RCL wins hands down. Then again I might be biased since I really hate Carnival.

Care to elaborate as to why you hate Carnival so much?
Just curious, since I've had good experiences with them so far. I would like to try RCL eventually though, maybe next year.
Is it true that RCL has an older crowd, compared to Carnival's younger crowd?

[ash101]

Care to elaborate as to why you hate Carnival so much?
Just curious, since I've had good experiences with them so far. I would like to try RCL eventually though, maybe next year.
Is it true that RCL has an older crowd, compared to Carnival's younger crowd?
Well, if you try RCL later, you will know Carnival Fantasy and Ecstasy is nothing. But this time Carnival Triumph will be not bad for you. At least it's big enough. And these yrs Carnival improve their dining quality a lot. For a cheap price cruising, it's worth. US $83/day/person incl. meals & snack & entertainment. Nothing else can beat it. Also, because it's cheap, younger ppl like it and enjoy it. in Summer term, you also will find lots of kids on RCL or Princess.
Actually, your cruise plan is pretty good. Try it the ships from smaller to bigger yr by yr. You will feel always fun and new every time you sail. Next yr I will suggest you try RCL Navigator or Star Princess.
Don't try the biggest ship at the 1st time cruise. Or you have to wait at least 2yrs to find a better ship than that.

[ash101]

I'm interested in hearing some opinions/experiences comparing east vs west carribean cruises. I'm really interested in going to Jaimaca however my wife and I would be traveling "alone"). A couple of friends are going in the same time period on a eastern carribean cruise and have asked us to join them. I'm really torn!

East Caribbean: More shopping for Jewelery, watch & Electronics. I bought a Sony 256M Duo memory stick for US $50 in St. Maarten. Compared shopping in Nassau, St. Thomas & St. Maarten, Nassau is the most expensive & St. Maarten is the least expensive. Be careful. You need to pay tax for value over CAD$700 (1 wk sailing) when you back Canada. Also be careful. Don't buy fake one.

West Caribbean: More historical places to visit, i.e. Dunn's river in Jamaica, great pyramids in Mexico. Grand Cayman is BEST BEST diving area all of the world. Also, a little bit shopping in Cancun (take 2 hrs ferry from Cozumel).

Overalls, East is shopping. West is swimming.

[ash101]

It's the newest of the Voyager class. I've been on it, Explorer and the Adventure, and the amenities are about the same. Take your pick amongst Explorer, Mariner, Voyager, Adventure, Navigator.
These ships are all same layout, same size 142,000 tons. But they are developing the engines in newer ships.Explorer 2000, Mariner 2003, Voyager 1999, Adventure 2001, Navigator 2002. So Mariner is more stable at sea.
RCL is building a new ultra Voyager class. It's Freedom of the Seas, 160,000 tons. First sailing is Jun 04, 2006 to west caribbean all year round. I booked for 2nd sailing date Jun 11, 2006 already. Anyone booked yet?

[girlstar]

Can't wait to see the Freedom. I saw a picture and it just looks like a giant Voyager class. At the Crown and Anchor reception, the future cruise consultant was saying how it will have a wave pool for surfing or something like that.

[HighFlyer]

Care to elaborate as to why you hate Carnival so much?
Perhaps I've been spoiled by the treatment I get on Princess and RCL before I went on Carnival. Regardless, I have found that the passengers on Carnival tend to be rowdy and loud. This was in the dining rooms, common areas, and even the cabin areas late at night/early morning. A lot of the passengers routinely ignore the specific dress codes in the dining room. Some of them will wear jeans or shorts for formal night dinners. And despite the fact that there's a sign 'coverups must be worn' at the entrance of the Lido buffet dining room, there are those that continue to parade into the dining area in their speedos and bathing suits (these are the folks that should be banned from wearing these things in the first place). The staff don't enforce the rules. I can go on and on..... It's the first time I've filled out the complaint card with a lot of Very Poor's checked off.

I know it's their vacation, and they can do whatever they want, but so can I. I will avoid Carnival and stick with Princess and RCL. Many of my friends in my age group (20's) have the same opinion.

Is it true that RCL has an older crowd, compared to Carnival's younger crowd?
Yes, the crowd tends to be middle aged with families, but there are a lot of the mid 20's crowd as well, depending on the sailing.

[HighFlyer]

RCL is building a new ultra Voyager class. It's Freedom of the Seas, 160,000 tons. First sailing is Jun 04, 2006 to west caribbean all year round. I booked for 2nd sailing date Jun 11, 2006 already. Anyone booked yet?
I tend to wait until the ship has a bit of miles (a few months), with the kinks worked out. I wasn't too impressed with the few inaugural sailings I was on. 70% of the staff were new, and as such, were still getting used to the ship. The service was good, but wasn't as smooth/organized as on a ship that has sailed a bit. The ship/amenities look impressive though.

[girlstar]

I'm interested in hearing some opinions/experiences comparing east vs west carribean cruises. I'm really interested in going to Jaimaca however my wife and I would be traveling "alone"). A couple of friends are going in the same time period on a eastern carribean cruise and have asked us to join them. I'm really torn!

Eastern by far has better shopping if you're looking for jewellery, watches and such (i.e. St Maarten and St. Thomas) when you go West the prices aren't as good and isn't as much shopping to do. Eastern can be a bit rockier since it goes along the Atlantic whereas Western stays within the Caribbean sea (noticed this on Mariner through the Eastern Caribbean, rocked despite her size).

[aZnRYcEbOi]

These ships are all same layout, same size 142,000 tons. But they are developing the engines in newer ships.Explorer 2000, Mariner 2003, Voyager 1999, Adventure 2001, Navigator 2002. So Mariner is more stable at sea.
RCL is building a new ultra Voyager class. It's Freedom of the Seas, 160,000 tons. First sailing is Jun 04, 2006 to west caribbean all year round. I booked for 2nd sailing date Jun 11, 2006 already. Anyone booked yet?

How much is it for the Freedom cruise?

Have you tried those "repositioning" cruises? If I could take 2 weeks off I wouldn't mind trying it...cuz some of the RCL or Princess ones are 15 days for the price of a 7-day cruise!

[ash101]

How much is it for the Freedom cruise?

Have you tried those "repositioning" cruises? If I could take 2 weeks off I wouldn't mind trying it...cuz some of the RCL or Princess ones are 15 days for the price of a 7-day cruise!
Freedom of the Seas I got CAD $1530/person incl. port tax.

I don't like repositioning cruise, unless the ship really have lots of fun stuff onboard. But sometimes, the price is really really good. QM2 only CAD $699 for 5 nights sailing Ft. Lauderdale to London, and with free air ticket from London flight back to Ft. Lauderdale.

[rinse]

Booked and ready to board the Carribean Princess on May 21st. Of course our flight tickets got cancelled b/c of the Jetsgo fiasco, but we were able to get a flight with WestJet.

Got a pretty decent deal off Vacationstogo.com as we reserved back in December, $899 CAD/person.

[ash101]

I tend to wait until the ship has a bit of miles (a few months), with the kinks worked out. I wasn't too impressed with the few inaugural sailings I was on. 70% of the staff were new, and as such, were still getting used to the ship. The service was good, but wasn't as smooth/organized as on a ship that has sailed a bit. The ship/amenities look impressive though.
Oh, right. you remind me that. Last night, I've been on Navigator 2nd sailing. My cabin still smells painting. We can hear plates crashed in the dining room every single night. Maybe I should extend it sailing. however, it's summer high season after few sailing for freedom of the seas. Then I have to extend until hurricanes finish which is Dec.

[ash101]

Booked and ready to board the Carribean Princess on May 21st. Of course our flight tickets got cancelled b/c of the Jetsgo fiasco, but we were able to get a flight with WestJet.

Got a pretty decent deal off Vacationstogo.com as we reserved back in December, $899 CAD/person.
How much you got by Westjet then? did you try air transat? it's CAD $328

[ash101]

Also, there is age minimium required for most of cruise lines.
If some one is under 21 yrs, there must be another person over 25 yrs in the same cabin.
But Norwegian cruise line doesn't have that policy. Well, sometimes, you can try this: Ask each under age passenger's parents write a permission for them to get on the cruise for some reason, like, birthday party, graduation party, etc. Cruise line will accept it.
Some ships not accept infant who is under 2.

[dafunky1]

So my wife and I have decided on western (based on all your excellent feedback). Now its a matter of cruiseline. We're 30 and 25 years old, enjoy partying it up but like good quality service as young professionals. We're going alone (ie. not with anyone we know) and would like to enjoy the company of like minded cruisers. Looking for some suggestions. Oh ya.. or target date is nov/dec (before peak).

Cheers in advance...

NM

p.s. we have been eyeing the RCL 7 day western carribean out of Miami BUT are keeping a very open mind for our options.

[HighFlyer]

So my wife and I have decided on western (based on all your excellent feedback). Now its a matter of cruiseline. We're 30 and 25 years old, enjoy partying it up but like good quality service as young professionals. We're going alone (ie. not with anyone we know) and would like to enjoy the company of like minded cruisers. Looking for some suggestions. Oh ya.. or target date is nov/dec (before peak).

Cheers in advance...

NM

p.s. we have been eyeing the RCL 7 day western carribean out of Miami BUT are keeping a very open mind for our options.
RCL would be a good choice. Princess would be another one to consider, although the crowd is a little more middle aged, but still not too bad.

[UncleSteve]

So my wife and I have decided on western (based on all your excellent feedback). Now its a matter of cruiseline. We're 30 and 25 years old, enjoy partying it up but like good quality service as young professionals. We're going alone (ie. not with anyone we know) and would like to enjoy the company of like minded cruisers. Looking for some suggestions. Oh ya.. or target date is nov/dec (before peak).

Cheers in advance...

NM

p.s. we have been eyeing the RCL 7 day western carribean out of Miami BUT are keeping a very open mind for our options.

Royal Caribbean would seem to fit. Also, on rec.travel.cruises, many people who are not big fans of Carnival do seem to enjoy their Spirit-class ships.

[ash101]

So my wife and I have decided on western (based on all your excellent feedback). Now its a matter of cruiseline. We're 30 and 25 years old, enjoy partying it up but like good quality service as young professionals. We're going alone (ie. not with anyone we know) and would like to enjoy the company of like minded cruisers. Looking for some suggestions. Oh ya.. or target date is nov/dec (before peak).

Cheers in advance...

NM

p.s. we have been eyeing the RCL 7 day western carribean out of Miami BUT are keeping a very open mind for our options.
early Dec good choice. West caribbean side weather can be more guarateed.

[ash101]

Royal Caribbean would seem to fit. Also, on rec.travel.cruises, many people who are not big fans of Carnival do seem to enjoy their Spirit-class ships.

i think Carnival's price is too cheap for them to control good cruising experiences, especially, to control WHO will be their clients. If you tried Carnival cruise departs from New York for very cheap price at the last minutes, you will see lots of different TYPES & BACKGROUND people. It will never be a good vacation memory.

[ferkel]

Booked and ready to board the Carribean Princess on May 21st. Of course our flight tickets got cancelled b/c of the Jetsgo fiasco, but we were able to get a flight with WestJet.

Got a pretty decent deal off Vacationstogo.com as we reserved back in December, $899 CAD/person.

Wow.. i'll also be on the Carribean Princess on May 14-21st Eastern Caribbean. I also had Jetsgo and rebooked with WestJet at an extra $150. Its worth it for the meal, tv in the seat, and added comfort.

[UncleSteve]

i think Carnival's price is too cheap for them to control good cruising experiences, especially, to control WHO will be their clients. If you tried Carnival cruise departs from New York for very cheap price at the last minutes, you will see lots of different TYPES & BACKGROUND people. It will never be a good vacation memory.

Without a doubt, but that is not restricted to Carnival. I've read posts about the same sort of thing happening on RCI, Princess and Carnival on various itineraries.

Also, Carnival is not always the cheapest; I know of one RTC poster who booked a Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity that was actually cheaper than Carnival.

[ash101]

Also, Carnival is not always the cheapest; I know of one RTC poster who booked a Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity that was actually cheaper than Carnival.
Ya, I found Celebrity becomes cheap too for caribbean sailings. But lots of onboard facilities are not included in cruise fare for Celebrity. You will find you need to pay much more when you get on celebrity.

[ash101]

Mar 26, 2005. Voyager of the Seas. West caribbean for 7 nights. USD $599.

[ash101]

Carnival Glory, 7 nights West Caribbean, Jul 30, 2005. USD $820

[Patrick]

here is my story:

Aug 29, we went to Mariner of the Seas for 7 NTS for East Caribbean leaving from Orlando. On last 2nd day of sailing, we were informed that Orlando Port was crashed by serious hurricanes. The ship can not park until next 3-4 business days. Capitain extended that sailing for another 3 NTs at sea. Finally the ship stop at Miami Port on Sep 07. And provide us free transfer from Miami back to Orlando. But our air tickets are by Jetsgo. They don't flight daily from Orlando to Toronto. The earliest day is Sep 10. At the end, we paid 3 nights hotels & meals in Orlando by ourselves. It's really out of our budget.
Maybe a good example for you.

we didn't have to pay for our meals or anything. royal caribbean covered our hotel and meal to get back from miami to orlando. when we got back no flights till the 10th so we called royal caribbeans and they supplied us with a couch bus back to miami after.. so yes long trip but got the bus to ourselves =D

[Twism]

Dont forget your passport as you will need it for St. Martiens or St. Thomas I forget which. I've been on carnival and it was a good time. But i've heard royal carribean and princess cruises have much better food and entertainment. If your buying liquour from st. martiens or st. thomas avoid the stores the cruise line recommends. They recommend the stores with really high prices so that you buy your liquor on the boat instead. What we did is we took a taxi to k-mart where its a government store and you get low prices on all of the liquor. Good selection and dirt cheap prices.

[Twism]

Oh yeah one other big thing. If you are travelling with a senior and both staying in the same room you both get senior rate on the rooms. I paid $463 for my room on my 7 day carribean cruise.

[kornstar369]

have you seen the titanic?
*knock on wood

[mlc2000]

Dont forget your passport as you will need it for St. Martiens or St. Thomas I forget which.

Its St Thomas.

Americans are checked thru customs on one floor of the dining room, Canadians on another floor. IT was 15 mins for us.

[blizzah]

have you seen the titanic?
*knock on wood

Not the greatest movie to watch before a cruise.

[kornstar369]

Not the greatest movie to watch before a cruise.
lol
my point :)
i will not cruise...but good luck and have a ball :D

[7jai]

hmm i wanna go to the caribbean one day too

[kornstar369]

hmm i wanna go to the caribbean one day too
we'll take a plane together :D

[Twism]

Dont forget to check the forecast. When I went they said there were gonna be flash floods and storms but we only rained 1 day for a hour. When florida was having their hurricane problems last year my coworker was having his honeymoon on a carribean cruise. He said it was pretty crazy.

[ash101]

we didn't have to pay for our meals or anything. royal caribbean covered our hotel and meal to get back from miami to orlando. when we got back no flights till the 10th so we called royal caribbeans and they supplied us with a couch bus back to miami after.. so yes long trip but got the bus to ourselves =D
I think you got air ticket from royal caribbean. So you can guarantee your trip. Mine is not. :cry:

[ash101]

have you seen the titanic?
*knock on wood
Titanic is under Bermuda, not Caribbean.

[kornstar369]

Titanic is under Bermuda, not Caribbean.
i was just referring to the whole boat cruise idea.

[UncleSteve]

Titanic is under Bermuda, not Caribbean.

Not even close.

[rb]

been on Royal Caribbean and Carnival ...RCL staff were much better, we went on Explorer of the seas ...brilliant ship ...really bright and airy. Cabins in Carnival ships were bigger tho

[ash101]

i was just referring to the whole boat cruise idea.
Titanic just a boat, compared with modern CRUISE. Actually, anyone knows how big is Titanic?

[UncleSteve]

Titanic just a boat, compared with modern CRUISE. Actually, anyone knows how big is Titanic?

Titanic was 46,329 Gross Register Tons (GRT). Note that GRT is a measure of volume, 1 GRT equalling 100 cubic feet of interior space (excluding areas such as engine rooms).

Length: 852 feet
Width: 92 feet
Draft: 59 feet

[HighFlyer]

Not the greatest movie to watch before a cruise.
on my last few cruises, they had the violin quartet playing the song "My Heart will go on" in the main atrium of the ship during formal night.

[ash101]

Titanic was 46,329 Gross Register Tons (GRT). Note that GRT is a measure of volume, 1 GRT equalling 100 cubic feet of interior space (excluding areas such as engine rooms).

Length: 852 feet
Width: 92 feet
Draft: 59 feet
thanks.

[ash101]

on my last few cruises, they had the violin quartet playing the song "My Heart will go on" in the main atrium of the ship during formal night.
i saw a singer singing that song in an evening show on Mariner of the Seas.

[kornstar369]

i saw a singer singing that song in an evening show on Mariner of the Seas.
thats just the wrong song to play on a boat....

[AEmgee]

Just found this thread and wanted to add my $0.02...

I don't think it's been mentioned yet, but there is lots of good information at http://boards.cruisecritic.com.

I never book cruiseline airfare because it's generally more expensive and they pick the schedule! If possible, try to arrive in the departure port one day in advance to avoid missing the ship (yes, it happens).

Europe cruises - I did a 12-night Mediterranean which was followed by a traditional 7-day bus tour. I've been on 13 cruises and the Europe cruise was easily the best. Compared to the bus it was 100 times more relaxing and enjoyable. Yes, the stops in each port are very short but enough to get a taste and to figure out where you would like to go back and spend more time. It's a good way to see a lot of places in a short time, as a first exposure. Also it can be cheaper, since nice hotels and meals of equivalent quality can really add up.

Freedom of the Seas looks fantastic - too bad she won't sail the Eastern or Southern route... will have to wait for her sister, the Endeavour of the Seas. I've done 3 Western and 1 Eastern and really did prefer the Western more (good choice - dafunky1). I would highly recommend a Voyager-class ship for a Caribbean cruise. The newer ones (Navigator, Mariner) have slightly different appearance and a lot more glass.

Celebrity Cruises - wonderful food (tastiest soups I've ever had), superb 5* service but MUCH older crowd.

Happy cruising!

[ash101]

Just found this thread and wanted to add my $0.02...

I don't think it's been mentioned yet, but there is lots of good information at http://boards.cruisecritic.com.



since you mentioned this cruise site, I want to say little bit about the background about this site.
Royal Caribbean cruise is planning/processing to buy or manage this site since last Dec.

[dafunky1]

So we put down a deposit on Royal Carribbean's Navigator of the Seas departing Dec 10th from Miami. Got a Class M room for $933 all in. We have till late September to get a full refund. Does anyone know when Royal (or Cruiselines in general) begin to drop prices before a sailing? Obvioulsly, I want to try and get this ship and sailing as cheap as possible!

[ferkel]

since you mentioned this cruise site, I want to say little bit about the background about this site.
Royal Caribbean cruise is planning/processing to buy or manage this site since last Dec.

why would they do that? don't understand why they would be interested in buying that site.

[kornstar369]

why would they do that? don't understand why they would be interested in buying that site.
they are probably looking at it as an investment purpose...obviously i guess. But the more a company owns, they better they do most the time, the more money they make, profits go up, stocks go up b/c they invest more.

[William W]

So we put down a deposit on Royal Carribbean's Navigator of the Seas departing Dec 10th from Miami. Got a Class M room for $933 all in. We have till late September to get a full refund. Does anyone know when Royal (or Cruiselines in general) begin to drop prices before a sailing? Obvioulsly, I want to try and get this ship and sailing as cheap as possible!

Actually, does that fare include Air? If so, I think you're getting a very good deal. I believe I pay around $1100/person including air. And I booked Air separately.

I was on the same ship last December, and I bought my cruise in November. They sort of had a last minutes sales. But with cruise companies they don't normally discount the price 30 days before sailing if you want a certain category of room. Instead what they do is create the Category Z, Run of the Ship category. You don't get to find out which cabin you will be staying in until 2 weeks before you sail, but most of the time, they will give you the best available room that is available.

Essentially this past december, I end up paying for the cheapest Interior Cabin, but I end up getting the Prommenade Cabins. If I were to specify and book the Prommenade Cabins 30 days before sailing, I would have paid double what I paid.

And one more thing, ask your travel agent if you can pay in USD via your Credit Card. The reason is I found out after the fact that I could have save about $100 in exchange if I were to pay in USD instead of CDN.

[nano]

Dont forget to check the forecast. When I went they said there were gonna be flash floods and storms but we only rained 1 day for a hour. When florida was having their hurricane problems last year my coworker was having his honeymoon on a carribean cruise. He said it was pretty crazy.
hurricanes are only from june to nov... they are tracked and cruse lines know how to deal with them. last summer was an exception there are usually one or two major hurricanes per season

[dafunky1]

Actually, does that fare include Air? If so, I think you're getting a very good deal. I believe I pay around $1100/person including air. And I booked Air separately.

I was on the same ship last December, and I bought my cruise in November. They sort of had a last minutes sales. But with cruise companies they don't normally discount the price 30 days before sailing if you want a certain category of room. Instead what they do is create the Category Z, Run of the Ship category. You don't get to find out which cabin you will be staying in until 2 weeks before you sail, but most of the time, they will give you the best available room that is available.

Essentially this past december, I end up paying for the cheapest Interior Cabin, but I end up getting the Prommenade Cabins. If I were to specify and book the Prommenade Cabins 30 days before sailing, I would have paid double what I paid.

And one more thing, ask your travel agent if you can pay in USD via your Credit Card. The reason is I found out after the fact that I could have save about $100 in exchange if I were to pay in USD instead of CDN.

It actually does not include air. :cry: Thats cruise and port/taxes only. Have to book air still (which is about 650 ish). The inlaws live in FL so we are extending our trip. I'm not sure if doing the last minute thing is a good risk to take when I WANT to be on that ship. 30 days prior is after the date I have to pay in full. Hmm..what to do?!

[ferkel]

they are probably looking at it as an investment purpose...obviously i guess. But the more a company owns, they better they do most the time, the more money they make, profits go up, stocks go up b/c they invest more.

i can't see them buying cruisecritic.com. it would be like staples buying RFD.

[UncleSteve]

It actually does not include air. :cry: Thats cruise and port/taxes only. Have to book air still (which is about 650 ish). The inlaws live in FL so we are extending our trip. I'm not sure if doing the last minute thing is a good risk to take when I WANT to be on that ship. 30 days prior is after the date I have to pay in full. Hmm..what to do?!

Well, if you want a specific ship and cabin, book what is available. BUT, keep an eye on the price of that category. Most cruise lines will reduce your cost, if they drop the price. The reason I say to watch it yourself is that some TAs will monitor this for you (if they're good), but some need gentle reminders... Also, some cruise lines (the ones that don't adjust prior bookings) will let you cancel (if you're not yet in the penalty time) and re-book at the new price.

You can get lots of information and advice from the folks on the newsgroup rec.travel.cruises (just ignore the usual group of Internet trolls). That NG even organizes an annual Group Cruise (the GGC).

Stephan

[toban11]

I went on a cruise with my mom and aunt in February 2000. We choose Royal Caribbean (Monarch of the Seas) and went on a 7 day Southern cruise that departed from San Juan. Stops included St.Thomas, Martinique, Barbados, Antiqua, St.Martin/Maarten. The cruise line was going to charge us $1400.00 each to fly from Winnipeg to San Juan. We booked through a travel agent and asked what the flight itinerary would be. She said we wouldn't know until we received our tickets a few weeks before. I phoned some airlines, and when Canadian was still around, they quoted us a price of $860.00. We chose Canadian and flew the day before. Worried about a freak snowstorm etc. Our flight left Winnipeg, 5 hour stopover in Toronto. Toronto-Miami. Changed planes in Miami (American Airlines). The cruise itself was around $1000.00. If you ever stay overnight in San Juan, do not stay at the Comfort Inn. The price was good, but the rooms were not very clean. This was my first cruise and I really liked Royal Caribbean. Staff etc are friendly. Would sail with them again.

[William W]

It actually does not include air. :cry: Thats cruise and port/taxes only. Have to book air still (which is about 650 ish). The inlaws live in FL so we are extending our trip. I'm not sure if doing the last minute thing is a good risk to take when I WANT to be on that ship. 30 days prior is after the date I have to pay in full. Hmm..what to do?!

ok..... inlaws..... sounds fun...... Alot of cruise lines offers last minutes special to Florida residients only. So may be they can help you out and book the cruise for you.

Also, if you're taking the cruise from Miami don't book for Cruise Transfer, instead, just grab a Taxi from the Airport to the Port. It is cheaper and faster. I made the mistake of booking the Transfer from the Cruise line, and I'll never do that again.

And do register yourself at cruisecritic.com meet n greet event on the cruise, you'll get some freebies, ie mouse pads, key chains, etc from the cruise line when you attend.

[kornstar369]

i can't see them buying cruisecritic.com. it would be like staples buying RFD.
i guess so...but look at how many RFDers bring business to staples...but i get what you're sayin

[ash101]

It actually does not include air. :cry: Thats cruise and port/taxes only. Have to book air still (which is about 650 ish). The inlaws live in FL so we are extending our trip. I'm not sure if doing the last minute thing is a good risk to take when I WANT to be on that ship. 30 days prior is after the date I have to pay in full. Hmm..what to do?!

Well, air ticket should be around CAD $450 incl. tax for directly flight air canada, American Airlines, air transat(Ft. Lauderdale airport), westjet(Ft. Lauderdale airport).
Full payment must be 70 days before depature.
If you want last minute deal, try to check the rate on 1st, 2nd week of Nov, every Tuesday RCCL has Happy Hours rate. However, promotional price for new booking only, no Price match for early bird booking.

think about Dec 04 Explorer, it's CAD $815 now.

[dafunky1]

Well, air ticket should be around CAD $450 incl. tax for directly flight air canada, American Airlines, air transat(Ft. Lauderdale airport), westjet(Ft. Lauderdale airport).
Full payment must be 70 days before depature.
If you want last minute deal, try to check the rate on 1st, 2nd week of Nov, every Tuesday RCCL has Happy Hours rate. However, promotional price for new booking only, no Price match for early bird booking.

think about Dec 04 Explorer, it's CAD $815 now.

That must be 450 tax in from Toronto? I'm in Calgary and the best price that I'm getting for air is $613 all in.

[GT108]

Titanic is under Bermuda, not Caribbean.

So I should go on a Bermuda cruise to see iceberg? :D

[GT108]

Oh yeah one other big thing. If you are travelling with a senior and both staying in the same room you both get senior rate on the rooms. I paid $463 for my room on my 7 day carribean cruise.

When I cruise with my parents, we usually enter the passenger name for the rooms so that at one of the occupants will be seniors, in order to get the senior rate for both occupants.

For example, if my wife and I were travelling with my parents, my wife will be entered as roomate with my mom and and I will entered as the roommate with my dad. Now all four of us will be getting the senior rate. After we register, we would switch passes and room.

Sometimes the crew will give you a hard time, but most of the time they will leave you alone.

BTW, to qualify for senior rates, you need to be 55.

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Just came back from a 7-day cruise to the Western Caribbean with Carnival Triumph. This was my 3rd cruise with Carnival, and the ports of call were Cozumel (Mexico), Georgetown (Grand Cayman), and Ocho Rios (Jamaica).

Filled up my schedule as much as I could while in the ports of call. I arranged all the transportation in Mexico, and I booked independent tours for GC and Jamaica. Saved a ton of money by not going with ship tours.

Cozumel, Mexico >> Tulum mayan ruins, and Xel-Ha ecological park (lots of snorkeling, tubing, jumping off a cliff 15ft, etc)
Georgetown, Grand Cayman >> snorkeling with stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar, snorkeling at a coral reef, and Parasailing along 7-mile beach
Ocho Rios, Jamaica >> climbed Dunn's River Falls, river tubing at White River Calypso, plantation tour, Fern Gully

Here's a few pix from the DSLR. (I took about 500 in total, but I won't post them all)
http://home.utm.utoronto.ca/~rwong/carnival/page_01.htm

I've been happy with Carnival in all three of my experiences, but I think I will try Royal Caribbean next time. I been wanting to go on the RCL Navigator of the Seas...

[AcuraEL]

Hi there, I am going to go on my 3rd Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean later this year. My port of calls are exactly the 3 you went to (as well as Labadee).

I did some research and I would like to do almost EXACTLY what you did in all three places you listed. Would you be able to give me who you booked the excursions with and your comments on them?

I am thinking to replace parasailing with visiting the turtle farm, and perhaps skip the plantation tour.

You could PM me if you like. I am excited about the trip and eager to make these pre-trip arrangements so I can have a worry free trip.

Thanks!


Cozumel, Mexico >> Tulum mayan ruins, and Xel-Ha ecological park (lots of snorkeling, tubing, jumping off a cliff 15ft, etc)
Georgetown, Grand Cayman >> snorkeling with stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar, snorkeling at a coral reef, and Parasailing along 7-mile beach
Ocho Rios, Jamaica >> climbed Dunn's River Falls, river tubing at White River Calypso, plantation tour, Fern Gully

[HighFlyer]

My port of calls are exactly the 3 you went to (as well as Labadee).
One of my friends is a blood donor, and was told he couldn't be a donor for a year after visiting Haiti.

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Hi there, I am going to go on my 3rd Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean later this year. My port of calls are exactly the 3 you went to (as well as Labadee).

I did some research and I would like to do almost EXACTLY what you did in all three places you listed. Would you be able to give me who you booked the excursions with and your comments on them?

I am thinking to replace parasailing with visiting the turtle farm, and perhaps skip the plantation tour.

You could PM me if you like. I am excited about the trip and eager to make these pre-trip arrangements so I can have a worry free trip.

Thanks!

Cozumel, Mexico
- carnival was docked there from 7am to 12midnight, so i had ALOT of time there. I'm not sure if RCL is there that long, but if it was a shorter time, i would've done a beginner scuba course instead.
- Got off the ship, and took a taxi ($6usd per car, not per person) to the pier where the ferry is
- Paid $16.50usd round trip for ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen, took the Ultra-mar ferry (yellow one). these ferry's run every hour. the ride itself is 30 mins.
- Once in Playa Del Carmen, you can take either a bus ($8usd i think), or a collectivo (minivan, $2.50) down towards Tulum (about 1 hr ride)
- I took a collectivo...the collectivo stand is at Calle 2, between street 10 and 15. (you should get a map of playa del carmen on the net http://www.travelyucatan.com/playa_del_carmen_mexico.php)
- collectivo dropped us off at Tulum, and had to walk 2-3 minutes to buy tickets. Also bought a shuttle from the ticket place to the actual site ($2 round trip, but u can easily walk it in under 10 mins)
- entrance fee to tulum is $4usd
- walked around for about 1.5hrs (it was too hot), and decided to go to Xel-ha
- hopped on the collectivo ($1.50 this time), went north about 10 mins and got off at Xel-ha. Walked about 5 mins to get to the entrance.
- Admission to Xel-ha is $29 for basic (+ 10 for snorkel equipment), OR $59 for all inclusive. I got the all-inclusive since it includes snorkel equipment, food, drinks (alcohol too). check out the xel-ha website for all the stuff you can do there. i was there from around 2pm to 6:30pm, but the park actually closes at 7pm. restaurants close at 5pm i think.
- took a collectivo ($2.50) from Xel-ha to Playa Del Carmen. walked around, bought some souvenirs, and hopped on the ferry back to Cozumel.
- taxi back to the ship ($6usd)


Georgetown, Grand Cayman
- http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/ I signed up on the $30 tour and it includes Stingray City Sandbar (it's a 20 min boat ride to the sandbar), snorkeling at a coral reef.
- got them to drop me off along 7-mile beach, and i signed up for parasailing with Red Sail Sports ($65 per person, or $110 tandem)
- taxi from 7-mile beach back to the ship would've been $4 per person, but there's a parasail taxi boat that dropped us off close to the tender ships for free


Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- http://www.phil-lafayette-tours.com/
- highly recommended!!! this guy was really fun and made jamaica an excellent experience. i didn't do jamaica on my own as i've heard that it isn't safe there
- Dunn's River falls is $15, River tubing is $20, and Phil Lafayette's charge is $20
- the plantation tour is included in this package, along with fern gully. he just takes u around everywhere.
- he also took us to this place that sells jerk chicken and jerk pork....delicious!



for more info or research, check out the following sites:
www.cruisereviews.com
www.portreviews.com
www.cruisecritic.com (check out the forum, lots of good reading)


hope that helps!

[AcuraEL]

aZnRYcEbOi, thanks for the detailed description. It definitely helps.

I have heard about Phil. Good to see your recommendation, I think I will tour with Phil in Jamaica.

As for others, I will have to look at the websites you provided.

Thanks again.

[blizzah]

aZnRYcEbOi, I was in Cancun this Christmas and Xel'ha was like one of the greatest places I ever went.

[aZnRYcEbOi]

aZnRYcEbOi, thanks for the detailed description. It definitely helps.

I have heard about Phil. Good to see your recommendation, I think I will tour with Phil in Jamaica.

As for others, I will have to look at the websites you provided.

Thanks again.

I forgot to mention:
For Grand Cayman, there's alot of other companies that you can book with, such as Kelly's, Soto's, or Red Sail Watersports. They're all around 30 bucks, but red sail charges more because they take you there on a catamaran instead.
I had a good experience with Nativeway, and i think they are the only ones that take you to stingray sandbar AND the coral reef....most of the other groups stay only at the stingray sandbar....
but you should check up on that to make sure exactly what you get in the tour...

i kinda wanted to go to the turtle farm also, but had no time.
Our cruise director recommended us to go to Hell also, but we didn't have enough time ;)

[aZnRYcEbOi]

aZnRYcEbOi, I was in Cancun this Christmas and Xel'ha was like one of the greatest places I ever went.

Now that I think back, I wish I went to Xel'ha and spent the whole day there...then the $59 all inclusive woudl've been even more worth it as I would've had 2 meals!

Tulum was ok, but most of the ruins are roped off so you can't go in it anyways. My gf was really bored at Tulum, and she just stood in the shade most of the time, while I went around taking pix with my DSLR. BTW, when you are at Tulum, there is no need to hire a tourguide (20usd?). We just tagged along with another big group that already had one :D, and they have info-boards throughout the site with descriptions/history/stories/etc.

[ash101]

so, you think which place is better for snokeling or water sports? Grand Cayman or Cozumel?
Now that I think back, I wish I went to Xel'ha and spent the whole day there...then the $59 all inclusive woudl've been even more worth it as I would've had 2 meals!

Tulum was ok, but most of the ruins are roped off so you can't go in it anyways. My gf was really bored at Tulum, and she just stood in the shade most of the time, while I went around taking pix with my DSLR. BTW, when you are at Tulum, there is no need to hire a tourguide (20usd?). We just tagged along with another big group that already had one :D, and they have info-boards throughout the site with descriptions/history/stories/etc.

[aZnRYcEbOi]

so, you think which place is better for snokeling or water sports? Grand Cayman or Cozumel?

IMO:

Snorkeling/Scuba/Snuba - Cozumel (lots of coral reefs, shallow and deep)
but I'd also recommend going over to Playa del Carmen and check out Xel'ha or Xcaret (time permitting)

Parasailing - Grand Cayman (the guy running the speedboat that I was on was actually a Canadian, originally from Calgary)

Jetskiing - Ocho Rios (2 girls that I talked to, they were able to negotiate 1-hr of jetskiing & a few beers, for $25 usd for both of them while the initial price was like $70-80usd)

Grand Cayman is well known for the natural sandbar area, which is better known as Stingray City. It's about a 20-minute boat ride to get to this natural spot, and it is a must-see. It's way better than the Stingray excursion in the Bahamas (which I did last year, and its located in some fenced off compound).

[slothy@cutey]

Perhaps I've been spoiled by the treatment I get on Princess and RCL before I went on Carnival. Regardless, I have found that the passengers on Carnival tend to be rowdy and loud. This was in the dining rooms, common areas, and even the cabin areas late at night/early morning. A lot of the passengers routinely ignore the specific dress codes in the dining room. Some of them will wear jeans or shorts for formal night dinners. And despite the fact that there's a sign 'coverups must be worn' at the entrance of the Lido buffet dining room, there are those that continue to parade into the dining area in their speedos and bathing suits (these are the folks that should be banned from wearing these things in the first place). The staff don't enforce the rules. I can go on and on..... It's the first time I've filled out the complaint card with a lot of Very Poor's checked off.

I know it's their vacation, and they can do whatever they want, but so can I. I will avoid Carnival and stick with Princess and RCL. Many of my friends in my age group (20's) have the same opinion.

Yes, the crowd tends to be middle aged with families, but there are a lot of the mid 20's crowd as well, depending on the sailing.

I completely agree with that - from what I've also heard. I've only ever gone on a Princess cruise. And let me tell you, it's my mission in life to get back onto those boats! Princess is the best option for cruising - Personal Choice dining and so many room choices with balconies make the cruise WELL worth the money. I've heard Carnival = spring break teenage crowds...

[Pavel]

Carnival = spring break teenage crowds...

Exactly!!!

[slothy@cutey]

Exactly!!!

Okay, I admit - not much to add to this post except that I'm glad we agree! (And hooray I'm no longer a Newbie!)

[Pavel]

It actually does not include air. :cry: Thats cruise and port/taxes only. Have to book air still (which is about 650 ish). The inlaws live in FL so we are extending our trip. I'm not sure if doing the last minute thing is a good risk to take when I WANT to be on that ship. 30 days prior is after the date I have to pay in full. Hmm..what to do?!

This is what kills the deal for me to the Caribbean unless there are some insane deals to Florida. You travel that far and are on holidays for 7 days. For this price, you can stay at an excellent all-inclusive that also includes tips and all the alcohol you can drink. In addition, if one is on a ship and there are problems with your cabin, there is a good chance that you are stuck, unlike at a [big] resort.

For cruises, I will stay with the Mexican Rivieria and Hawaii until the airfare to Florida becomes more reasonable.