aa101

I am thinking about sending my parents (who are in their mid-sixties) on a caribbean cruise in early April 09 and I am wondering which cruise liner and which islands would be best suited for them.

This will be their first cruise and I most concerned about them having sufficient comfort, variety in food and things to do and not feeling couped up on board a ship. I see them most enjoying some relaxed sightseeing, opportunities for shopping, good quality food and taking in the ocean/island views from a cool spot in the shade. They are not particularly independent so I thought an organized cruise with excursions would work best.

Does anyone have any cruise liner or trip suggestions for the Caribbean?

Thanks so much for any advice you can offer.

jacketwatch

Actually I am not sure how cool it will be in the Caribbean, even in April. Have you considered Alaska instead? If you want the Caribbean and your parents want good food and escorted tours try HAL. Actually any cruise line will have escorted tours though they do cost more. HAL sounds like it would suit their pace I think. Its very nice of you to do this for them. Cheers, Larry

Rhea58

Agree w/jacketwatch. HAL is a great line for your folks' first
cruise.
GO to www.hollandamerica.com to
see what is available. Both the
Westerdam & the brand new Eurodam
(if you can get on her) have 7-day
Eastern Carib itineraries which I
would suggest.
Then go to cruisecritic.com to see
what those folks say about HAL.
Let us know what you decide.

cawhite

Hi aa101 - My parents love HAL so I'd definitely consider them.

I just did a quick search for April 09 and I'd also consider the Celebrity Summit or the Caribbean Princess. These ships both have Southern Caribbean itineraries out of San Juan, PR and many like Southern itineraries the best.

jacketwatch

Agree with above about the so. Caribbean route.

ziggydoo

I'm the same age as your parents. Unless they have expressed a desire for an Alaskan cruise, for god sake, don't send them there.

Don't know where you live but it frequently gets above 100 where I live in Southern Illinois. It doesn't get that warm in the Caribbean, even in August. Go to weather.com to see the usual daily highs and lows for the port cities.

First time cruisers are easy to impress - big ships, elavators looking like they're in some expensive mall. And all the food may amaze them - whether great food or just good food. You know them best - if they're not "particularly independent" you'll know best. For me the worst part of a cruise is the flight, transfers, etc. The cruise itself is a breeze.

BTW - I wish I had kids like you!

They'll have a great time!

jacketwatch

Whats so wrong with Alaska that it warrants a "for Gods sake don't send them there." Its not Siberia. Actually its a great cruise. Have you ever done one? Its there 1st cruise so of course other possibilities are OK just to consider. It doens't have to be 100 for some to feel warm either. The sights in Alaska are amazing and its a popular cruise for many in that age group.

Dukey

Frankly, I've been to nboth Alaska and the Caribbean and for a first cruise and with the many activities involved the Caribbean might be a bit better (and yes there will be plenty of cool shady spots down there regardless of the weather).

I found the inside passage portion of our Alaska cruise somewhat boring after a while and I love the outdoors!

Personally, I would recommend something a bit more "refined" than say, Carnival which I found an INTRUSIVE company...too many announcements during the day of another bingo game, another "wear your wife's lingerie" contest, etc.

Others will disagree but that's my opinion from experience.

jacketwatch

We are all entitled to our opinions to be sure. I just wonder how you can tour and see sights and still stay in cool, shady spots at the same time. I suppose it depends on how they tolerate warm weather. April would be a good time to go as its not as warm then.

Debi

What a GOOD child your are.... I'm a huge Celebrity fan, so I would totally recommend them, and while the Caribbean would be fine - I wouldn't discount the Alaska idea - that is a fabulous cruise, and we did ship excursions, and they were outstanding. BUT - Caribbean is pretty, too - and I would suggest one of the traditional cruiselines, Celebrity or HAL..... Good, good child you are.......

LN

Hi

I'm also in agreement with a couple posters. Hal is a great cruise line but so is Royal Caribbean. We've been on both as well as an Alaskan cruise on the Carnival Spirit. The Alaskan cruise was a bit older crowd aboard but I also got a bit bored on the Inner Passage.

Caribbean cruises are more enjoyable (IMHO) and the eastern or southern hits better ports than the western. Belize, Roartan, and Guatemala are extremely poor countries but they do sell a lot of jewelry.

Generally most people can sign onto the various excursions they want to take and skip the others.