First time cruiser - need suggestions

Old Apr 17th, 2007, 07:50 AM
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First time cruiser - need suggestions

Hi, we are considering our first cruise in October. We are on a budget, live in Pennsylvania, and need help from all of you! Where would you go? What cruise line? Best to book in advance, or wait and try and snag a last minute deal? The only island we've been to is Jamaica. I would prefer to see some culture and scenery at the ports, (and beaches of course) rather than shopping.
I know this is vague, but hopefully you can all help me narrow it down!
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Old Apr 17th, 2007, 08:01 AM
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Gilly you do not mention budget or number of days, but one that might be of interest is a Souther Caribbean. If you want to do a 7 day then most of those depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Longer ones may leave from a Florida port. Last year (in November) we did the 7 day cruise Southern on Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas out of San Juan and visited Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten/St Martin and St Thomas. Very nice cruise with lots of port times.
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Old Apr 17th, 2007, 11:03 AM
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Don't have a specific $ amount in mind yet, as haven't done much research. I have heard good things about Royal Carribean. What season is October. I would say maybe a 5 day cruise, since this is our first time. Actually I'm not crazy about the idea of a cruise, but my hubby wants to try it.
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Old Apr 17th, 2007, 03:15 PM
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If you are on a budget drive to NYC and take a New England cruise. Holland America or Princess are nice lines we have enjoyed
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 04:57 AM
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Thanks for the suggestion to drive to NYC. However, we're really looking for some sunshine and beaches!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 05:41 AM
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I got an advertisement the other day for a cruise leaving Philadelphia and going to Bermuda in the fall. It looked like a great cruise - we've been to Bermuda before and loved it, though I've never sailed Royal Caribbean who I *think* offered it. It was very cheap and I would not hesitate to book now if I were interested. In fact, I may do that as well!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 05:46 AM
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There are cruises from NY to Caribbean and Bermuda in October. Or you can fly to Florida and cruise from there. Take at least 7 night. Keep in mind that 5 night cruise is only 4 full days, since ships usually depart at 5 PM and return early morning.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 05:48 AM
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Bermuda in the fall is a little iffy - hurricane season & it does get cool there.

But it's a beautiful island any time of year.
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 08:52 AM
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I think you may need to realize that "culture" means different things to different people--and I think that hitting any of the ABC islands might interest you more--or perhaps Mayan ruins. You need to do a 7 day--mainly because there is little else to try.
Book in advance---check your cabin carefully as to what is overhead and what is under you ( noise wise). Go for a veranda if you can. What is your age range? This is why we use an expert cruise travel agent--they know we would never touch a Carnival, think Royal Carribean is ok with a family or for the young, would prefer Crystal when we can afford it--and like the Holland America Vista Class ships. Don't do one of the monster ships--the floating cities. You need to look for what suits your budget--and goes to more southerly islands....pray there is no hurricane--and speak to an agent who is an autorized cruise specialist.
The seven days will fly by--don't cheat yourself with less. Have fun!
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Old Apr 18th, 2007, 09:13 AM
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On cruising I have a rule. Go for the cabin you will be fine with and hope for an upgrade. Recently I went on a Panama canal cruise and paid for a balcony and found you could not us it much. During the day it was usually in the sun and at night it was too windy. Besides how much are you in the room anyway. There were several with my group who paid for insides cabins and all got upgrades to cabins with windows. The only time I was glad for the balcony was going through the canal, but there was plenty of room on the upper decks to view it.
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Old Apr 19th, 2007, 05:30 AM
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Thanks for all the tips. We are in our early 40s so not young and in to wild parties, but not ready to curl up with a book every night either! Don't mean to be ignorant, but what are the "ABC" islands?
Swaymock - any more info on the cruise out of Phila - that's really close to us. I'm a little concerned that the weather while cruising down to Bermuda will be too cool, though - we'd like to be able to lounge on the deck or by the pool..
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Old Apr 19th, 2007, 10:32 AM
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They are off the coast of northern South America. Arruba and the other 2 right near Arruba beginning with a b&c.
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Old Apr 19th, 2007, 11:30 AM
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gilly - try this link:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findac...p=ANY&x=49&y=8

If it doesn't work for you, go to royalcaribbean.com and do a search on departures from Philadelphia in October.

There are two: a 7 day Bermuda and a 9 day Bermuda AND Caribbean.

I've only been to Bermuda in June and the weather was great - no idea on temps in October. June - November is hurricane season in the Caribbean pretty much no matter where you go, unless you get as far as Aruba and Panama. If there's a chance of a hurricane, your itinerary will be changed - but it's pretty rare for a cruise to be cancelled.

I'm in western PA - so the PHL departure was of interest to me also.

The prices look good but I see on the website the notation: "Prices are per person, shown in U. S. Dollars, based on double occupancy and subject to change. For new reservations only. Government taxes and fees are additional." - you have to continue and pretend to book if you want to see the total charges.
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Old Apr 19th, 2007, 08:23 PM
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ABC, Aruba, Curacao Bon Aire--you are right off the coast of South America. I think you will want to fly to Florida or San Juan PR--that will be sure to get you to warm water and air.
Royal Carribbean might be a good line for your first time--the first time on a cruise is very memorable--just be sure to get a good cabin--the best you can afford. Once you cruise you will be eligible for a lot of upgrades and deals. Don't do a last minute on this first one--and don't sail out of Philly---it seems clear you want to go to warmth--so fly there and sail from there.
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Old Apr 20th, 2007, 04:15 PM
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We've been on 4 cruises over the 22 years we've been married. The last one was two years ago (I was 45) on Royal Caribbean out of Galveston. It's an older/smaller ship, but it's also cheaper than the mega ships.

We tried to save money on a cruise years ago and went the first week in January instead of Christmas week. Everyone on the ship was 80 years old and wanted to travel when all the families were busy in school. So yes, pay attention to the clientele on the ship! That week was very long for us. We were only in our 30's.

I would also suggest a stop in Cozumel with a visit to the Mayan Ruins in Tulum. I didn't realize how much I would love the place. And Mexico is alot of fun!

If you don't have it already, get your Passport NOW! Very long lead times.
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