Charlize

Is there such a thing? We are 1st time cruisers and are interested in either Royal Carrib or NCL. Any advice, opinions? Also are the cabins w/ private balconies way too overpriced?

Marcia

Charlize, <BR> Try Renaissance Cruises. They are non-smoking and no kids through Dec 2001. They also have reasonably priced balcony cabins. Balconies are a must for watching sunsets and relaxing while aboard ship. <BR>Marcia

Andy

Just got off Windsurf--fabulous!!! Only "kids" were 2 -21 yr old girls and I felt sorry for them as it really was an all adult cruise. In addition,the itinerary was one where most people don't take small children and there are NO children's activities at all. However-it is only 300 people- a 5 masted sailing yacht and no planned activities (in case you were looking for that tyoe thing)..It's a more independent way of cruising as you can do your own thing in the ports or do excursions via cruise line. 4pc band in lounge and nice casino for the amount of people with stakes reasonable--not $10 per hand,but $3 per hand for blackjack--ideal cruise-ports fabulous-no small yappy children crying---can't say more about it. I personally don't like NCL as the food is not terrific and there are kids--also the same with RCL-felt their food was way overalted--but their cruise line was very good for a large cruise--and yes there were kids,but they actually didn't get in your way as there were kid's programs etc--If you do a larger ship--make sure you take 2nd seating dining (ie 815pm) as most of the kids are on the 1st(early) seating. Cabins with balconies are a lovely way to see the ports and have breakfast in your cabin with hubs and self---so if you can do it,then YES...but it's certainly NOT a requirement to have a balcony in order to have a good cruise. I am comparing apples to oranges when I write about Windsurf vs.any RCL ship-it's large vs.small and independent vs. gee,it's 2pm-time for bingo or horseracing on pool deck...In either instance,you will have fun.

Kathy

<BR>I would stay wway from NCL, RCCL and Carnival as the lower priced cruises will definitely have more children onboard. Again, Ren is children free til Dec.

Jack Sigano

If no children is really important the other messages are good but the Windsurf is a large sailboat and Ren sails mostly in Europe. If you are considering the Caribbean, I suggest you check out a Holland America cruise while school is in session. HAL caters to a more mature group of passengers and is never overrun with kids. We went in March and there were about 10 children in the 1400+ passengers. We hardly ever saw them.

Andy

Charlize-the Windstar ALSO does the Caribbean IN THE WINTER!!!! <BR>THey will have their ships in Fort Lauderdale,and Barbadoes - try to get on the WINDSURF as it holds 300 passengers and gets into smaller ports than most LARGER cruise ships-that's the beauty of it...Also it has it's own marina off the back of the ship that come equiped with kayaks,water skiing,and windsurf--all gratis. You will love it where you do Caribbean,Europe or Tahiti!