Leslie

We are in our mid twenties and have visited ST. Lucia and Cuba, so far....now we think we would like to go on a cruise. Our last trip to Cuba was a bit of a bore and disappointing in the food and service department, and we've heard great things about cruises. Do you follow a very strict schedule on cruises......we aren't much for schedules (except maybe late seating for dinner). Our budget would be inclusive $1600-1800 each canadian $. Is this possible. We would not want to spend more than this, as drinks and tips are on top of this price. <BR> <BR>Our requirements are: delicious food and a good variety of choices (a couple restaurants?); excellent service; roomy accomodations, but no need for top of line); good entertainment at night. Emphasis is on food and service (after our horrible resort in Cuba!). <BR> <BR>thanks in advance. we would like any itinery in caribbean. Loved st. lucia and would return. also interested in others.

Rachel

Probably your needs (other than the roomy accommodations requirement) can be met on Royal Caribbean. The food is generally excellent on RC, and the service is notoriously superb. Any of their Caribbean cruises are wonderful, particularly the Southern Caribbean on Rhapsody of the Seas, or another of their megaships. The only problem you may encounter is the accommodations. We have stayed in a mini-suite on the Rhapsody, with a balcony, for around US$1500 ea., and I still would not consider this "roomy accommodations." You just can't get a big room on a cruise without spending big bucks. Carnival does have bigger rooms, but I don't think the service or food would quite live up to your expectations. <BR> <BR>As for a schedule, you don't HAVE to do anything on a cruise, other than embark, muster (the safety demonstration at the beginning of a cruise) and disembark at the end. Everything else is optional. On Royal Caribbean you can even order room service (from the dining room menu), so you don't even HAVE to go to dinner. Of course, shore excursions are done on schedules, so if you want to do those, you will have to show up on time. <BR> <BR>If you can be flexible about the size of your accommodations, a cruise sounds like just the thing for you. My husband and I are going on our sixth and seventh in March. Feel free to email me if you have questions.

Elaine

Hi, Leslie, If food and service are your two biggest requirements, I'd resoundingly recommend a cruise on a Celebrity ship. Century does an Eastern & Western Carib. during the cold months. The diningroom is incredible, the perfect setting for the cuisine to which passengers are treated. The staff is wonderfully efficient and pampering, without being "in your face." Prices can be surprisingly affordable; get lots of quotes, and go for it! Even if you don't like any of the islands you visit, the ships are a "destination" you'll love. Mercury & Galaxy also go to the Caribbean on varying itineraries. <BR>

Elaine

Hi, Leslie, If food and service are your two biggest requirements, I'd resoundingly recommend a cruise on a Celebrity ship. Century does an Eastern & Western Carib. during the cold months. The diningroom is incredible, the perfect setting for the cuisine to which passengers are treated. The staff is wonderfully efficient and pampering, without being "in your face." Prices can be surprisingly affordable; get lots of quotes, and go for it! Even if you don't like any of the islands you visit, the ships are a "destination" you'll love. Mercury & Galaxy also go to the Caribbean on varying itineraries. <BR>

Elaine

Hi, Leslie, If food and service are your two biggest requirements, I'd resoundingly recommend a cruise on a Celebrity ship. Century does an Eastern & Western Carib. during the cold months. The diningroom is incredible, the perfect setting for the cuisine to which passengers are treated. The staff is wonderfully efficient and pampering, without being "in your face." Prices can be surprisingly affordable; get lots of quotes, and go for it! Even if you don't like any of the islands you visit, the ships are a "destination" you'll love. Mercury & Galaxy also go to the Caribbean on varying itineraries. <BR>

Elaine

Hi, Leslie, If food and service are your two biggest requirements, I'd resoundingly recommend a cruise on a Celebrity ship. Century does an Eastern & Western Carib. during the cold months. The diningroom is incredible, the perfect setting for the cuisine to which passengers are treated. The staff is wonderfully efficient and pampering, without being "in your face." Prices can be surprisingly affordable; get lots of quotes, and go for it! Even if you don't like any of the islands you visit, the ships are a "destination" you'll love. Mercury & Galaxy also go to the Caribbean on varying itineraries. <BR>