We are planning a cruise to eastern/western carribean in 2003. Not sure which one yet. Is one better than the other. This will be our 1st time. When is the best time to go. Don't want to spend a fortune but not looking for cheap either. Value-wise, September looks like the best time to go but, do I need to worry about hurricane season. For an overall pleasant experience, what cruise line should we go with. Looking for a 5-7 day cruise from either NY or FL.

Go into epinions.com or type out Epinions in Google (click on "Travel" tab above) and get travelers reviews of various cruise ships. Also you can type out Royal Caribbean cruises or whatever cruise ship and get online rates--your travel agent may get a better rate. Rates should be the same for the various months--we took a Royal Caribbean cruise in October a few years ago and there was only 1 rainy day, no hurricanes. If you're really into watersports you should try the Western Caribbean. If you like nature and water, Princess Cruises includes Dominica in their itinerary.

Try to go in January....I find that the rates are very reasonable, and it is totally out of hurricane season.

Jan,<BR> Go on a big ship. They can steer clear of hurricanes and go to alternative ports if necessary. Cruisecritic.com has more info than epinions, but I suggest trying all of them- cruise-addicts.com as well.You can post this on the cruise board, but frankly they are having a war over there and you won't get much help.travel agents have never matched the deals I've found online. I would start booking next June if you're going in Sept. Look at the rates right now for Sept and compare. I've been in January and saved big as well. I'm going on my 3rd Royal Caribbean cruise next week- I particularly like their new, large vessels and thought the entertainment was great. Your personal choices- food, service, activities, etc should determine which line you choose.

I've cruised 15 times and find that the best cruise line for the 5-7 day carribean cruises is Royal Carribean. Don't know how old you are but Holland American is too old and Carival is too young. Try and get St John & St Thomas in your itinary, most gorgeous beaches in the world.

Thank you for your responses. They have been a great help. Cruisecritic.com is a great site. Definitely will look into Royal Carribean Cruise line. We are in our mid-40's so that line does seem to be the one to go on. Thanks again.

January is a month for the best prices&gt; No cruises out of NY in January. NY cruises are most frequnt May to November. Those going to Bermuda are for seven days. Out of Florida they have 3, 4 and 7 day cruises. September to the Caribbean, from Florida offer the best values - it is, however hurricane season so the risk is always there. Cruise lines will change the itinerary to avoid hurricanes but seas hundreds of miles from the storm will be rough

I agree that the Eastern Cruise has the best beaches and the US Virgin Islands are really really nice. I've been on about 10 cruises and that is the one I enjoy the most. I also like Princess Cruise line the best. The Grand Princess and the Golden Princess are very nice. There are so many internet sites you can go to for really good prices. I'm not sure if I'm suppose to give names or not so I won't here. <BR>One more thing, the Eastern Cruise may have a little more rocky waters but it's worth it.

Weather-wise, what's the weather like for a carribean cruise. Now, it looks like we may be narrowing down to going sometime in Mid to late January and or possibly February.

Water activities best in Cozumel and Grand Cayman, but the Eastern and Southern Caribbean islands in our opinion are more interesting.