Laura

Okay, I know like this may seem like a broad ? that has been broached before but here are the specifics and then I really need some opinions, as all the brochures begin to look exactly the same.. although I know they are vastly different and they say that picking the right trip makes or breaks your experience...here goes <BR> <BR>We are both 26, I want a very luxurious ship that is packed with fun and there is always something to do... If I choose to participate, (up until now our vacations have always been of the relaxing variety) <BR> <BR>we would like a younger crowd but not one filled with children (I teach kindergarten and in the summer need a break ), good food, flexible dining (not locked into sit down dinners) <BR>larger rooms (pref with a balcony) destination Caribbean, original city: in Florida <BR> <BR>(I dont want to turn this into a debate but I think mentioning it may help you understand where I am coming from)I originally thought carnival because it seems to have a very fun atmosphere but maybe it is not the luxury I desire... <BR> <BR>Is there somehting like this out there? I tried to be as specific as possible.. looking for travel next summer? Any thought on prices? Thanks in advance for any help you are able to offer !! <BR> <BR Laura

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Laura, <BR> <BR>You have posted an excellent inquiry that is very common. <BR> <BR>I have studied your post very carefully. <BR> <BR>Due to your ages I would be hesitant to put you on Holland America. <BR> <BR>Carnival and Royal Caribbean have reasonable cruises out of San Juan that have fewer children but you stated you wish to sail out of Florida and wished elegance. <BR> <BR>You have two choices for elegance and with plenty of couples your age. <BR> <BR>Grand Princess is certainly elegant and you would have a good time. It is not saturated with children but there will be quite a few. <BR> <BR>I guess my choice would be the Celebrity Century which is a country club and fewer children than Princess but still quite a few since it is summer. <BR> <BR>Princess and Celebrity have better control of the younger set with their intensive children's programs. <BR> <BR>I thought a kindergarten teacher could tune out the din of the kids? <BR> <BR>Good luck, <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR> <BR>

Leah

Hello, <BR> <BR>This is almost the exact question I have, can we get more than one response to this ? <BR> <BR>I would appreciate diverse opinions, I must add that I do like a lot of hustle and bustle all around me (if I want to get away from it I'll go to my room) <BR> <BR>Thanks for your opinions ! <BR> <BR>Leah

Teri

Hi! I would suggest Royal Caribbeans Explorer, Adventurer or Voyager. Talk about alot going on around you! Nice diverse crowd too with lots of different ages! The way the ships are set up, you don't really see the younger kids either! Have fun!

Cathy

I am a teacher and cruise in the summertime as well. I have been very lucky in that most cruises I have been on in the summer do have good programs for kids and you don't see them that much except around the pool. Drawbacks to summer cruising are that you have fewer options than cruising in the winter. Except for Royal Caribbean and Carnival, most of the other cruise lines pull their ships out of the Caribbean in the summer. The one or two ships left go to the exact same ports. Summer time is high season for Caribbean cruises, so you will not get as good of a price as you would if you could cruise in the fall. <BR>I don't know how you define luxury. If you mean 5 star hotel quality, the more expensive and luxurious ships tend to be more staid and have older people on them. If you want alot of activities, Royal Caribbeans new super ships (Voyager et al) would be a good bet. I have been on Voyager and there was almost too much to do! Voyager has great fitness classes and some very active shore excursions, clubs, casinos, sports bar, etc.